The capital of Oyo state, Ibadan, has brought together civil society organizations from the southwest states of Nigeria to demand and coordinate the adoption of a unified regulatory framework that would do away with unnecessary registrations, improve funding opportunities, and promote inclusive policymaking.
At the South-West Regional Conference, the CSOs also sought to clarify the role of important players, such as national and subnational legislators, government MDAs, and regulators, in putting policy into practice and bolstering the regulatory framework that allows CSOs to function efficiently in the region.
The programme with the theme “Scaling Policy to Action – Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations in the South West Region” which had in attendance over 200 in-person participants and over 100 virtual participants from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos states was organized by Global Rights, Community Of Practice On Civil Space Strengthening and the European Union.
In his speech, the vice chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Anthony Yaro who said The need to strengthen the regulatory environment becomes imperative in order to align with modern laws and international best practices, believed that through collaborative efforts and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, Nigeria can create an enabling environment that empowers CSOs to deliver impactful results.
Senator Yaro described CSOs as crucial stakeholder in ensuring that the government is accountable to its citizens and that the rights of marginalized communities are protected.
Similarly, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, who spoke on behalf of RT. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, promised to back initiatives that would create a favorable atmosphere for the growth of civil society organizations in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, Hon. Justice M.O. Ishola clarified that the push to shift Item 32 of the 1999 constitution to the Concurrent List and clarify it was a pursuit of legal certainty that the judiciary supports.
“The judiciary has a vested interest in clarity and the rule of law. Ambiguity breeds litigation, disputes, and uncertainty-all of which are antithetical to a stable operational environment. Therefore, the advocacy for clarifying Item 32, whether through judicial interpretation or legislative action to move it to the Concurrent List, is a pursuit of legal certainty that the judiciary supports in principle.
Speaking, Chairman, Governing Board of Global Rights, Professor Chidi Odinkalu maintained that the roles of Civil Society Organisations could not be overemphasized, hence, the need for collaboration among all the stakeholders in the Country for effective legislations , accountability and transparency
He admonished the CSOs to conform with ethical standards and comply with the regulations because they operate under the law
Contributing, the Co-Chair, Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi emphasized the need for more publicity of work done, admonishing civil society organizations to establish mutual relationship with the media to enhance visibility of their activities.
