Stakeholders Encourage CSOs to Engage Lawmakers to Tackle Legal and Regulatory Hurdles

• Stakeholders urge Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to collaborate with lawmakers to address legal and regulatory obstacles hampering their effectiveness
• The 2nd National Conference on Civil Society Operational Environment aims to create an enabling regulatory environment for CSOs in Nigeria

Stakeholders have called upon Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to engage with the new administration, especially lawmakers, to address legal and regulatory obstacles hindering their effectiveness. This call was made in Abuja during the 2nd National Conference on Civil Society Operational Environment, organized by the CSO Accountability and Transparency Initiative (CATi) and co-funded by the European Union, British Council, and other international organizations. The two-day event is themed “Sustaining public benefit from CSOs through collaboration and enabling regulation.”

Ambassador Samuela Isopi, Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria, emphasized that CSOs must work toward setting an agenda for lawmakers to create an enabling environment for civil society.

“There should be an expansion of CSOs at the national and sub-national level. With the recent change in government and the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, civil society actors can seize the opportunity to engage with the assembly and set the agenda for the type of engagement they would like to see in the years to come,” Isopi stated, represented by her deputy, Zisimus Vargoes.

Victor Chukwuemele, Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society and Development Matters, recognized the significant role that civil society plays in the nation’s development. He emphasized the need for CSOs to perceive the government as an ally, as collaboration between both parties is essential. Chukwuemele urged CSOs to improve communication channels, making conveying concerns and legislation affecting them easier.

Lois Auta, Executive Director of Cedar Seed Foundation, pointed out that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) face rights denial and structural barriers in Nigeria. She highlighted the lack of accessibility for PWDs in many structures, hindering their participation in national development.

Funke Akinleye, Board Chairman of CATI, stated that the conference aims to foster collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the regulatory environment for CSOs. The event provides a platform for diverse stakeholder groups to share insights and understand the gains, challenges, and potential solutions for creating an enabling environment for CSOs to operate by regulations and ethical standards.