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Author: BUSARI ABBAS
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Paid Members Only Webinar : Navigating Nigeria's 2025 Tax Reforms
Nigeria Nonprofit Regulatory Framework: Key Laws (as at January 2026)
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Nonprofit Compliance Plan & Operational Summary: Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
Fill this form to download the Nonprofit Compliance Plan & Operational Summary: Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
2025 Budget Speech and the SDGs
On December 19, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Nigeria’s 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Valued at approximately ₦58.18 trillion, the budget builds on two-and-a-half years of economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the macroeconomy amid challenges like inflation and residual effect of the subsidy removal. Key priorities of the 2025 budget include national security (₦5.41 trillion), infrastructure (₦3.56 trillion), education (₦3.52 trillion), health (₦2.48 trillion), and agriculture for food security and climate resilience.
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2025 in Review: Strengthening Civil Society Across Nigeria and Beyond
2025 in Review: Strengthening Civil Society Across Nigeria and Beyond
In 2025, the Nigeria Network of NGOs advanced its commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and enabling environment for civil society organisations. Through strategic programmes, capacity development initiatives, research, and digital engagement, NNNGO continued to support nonprofits to thrive, collaborate, and deliver meaningful impact.
Advancing Strategic Priorities
Throughout the year, NNNGO implemented key interventions aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving the operating environment for civil society. These efforts included localisation research to generate context-driven solutions, strengthening governance systems and membership engagement, and promoting a healthy policy environment for nonprofits and philanthropy.
The Network also played an active role in the EU System for an Enabling Environment (EU-SEE), contributing to initiatives that support civic space and civil society sustainability. Across West Africa, NNNGO supported the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) to deliver civic space training in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, reinforcing regional collaboration and learning. Nonprofit capacity development initiatives through mentoring and coaching remained central to strengthening organisational effectiveness.
Our Projects Include:
👉Localisation Research
Targeted at creating solutions to the realities, challenges, opportunities, and readiness of local civil society actors within Nigeria’s humanitarian and development ecosystem.
👉Strengthening Governance, Membership Engagement & Institutional Capacity
Targeted at deepening member engagement, improving board governance, and expanding internal human resource and MEAL capacities.
👉Civic Space Protection & Accountability
Targeted at strengthening civic freedoms, improve nonprofit regulatory understanding, and enhance the accountability of state institutions toward Nigeria’s human rights commitments with key interventions and achievements including the development of a Policing Protest Toolkit.
👉Civil Society Mapping and Capacity Assessment in Nigeria
Targeted at mapping the CSO landscape to identify and categorise CSOs by formation geographic spread, thematic focus, and funding sources and assessing capacity needs to evaluate institutional, operational, programmatic, regulatory, technological, resource mobilisation, strategic planning, and digital protection capacities, while documenting the challenges they face in fulfilling their mission.
👉Nigerian Nonprofit Capacity Building Trainings
Targeted at enhancing NGO governance, compliance, project management, financial accountability, and organisational sustainability, ensuring that beneficiary organisations are better equipped to deliver impactful and transparent services to the communities they serve.
👉The EU System for an Enabling Environment (EU-SEE)
Targeted at strengthening national monitoring, analysis, and advocacy relating to the enabling environment for civil society.
👉The Civic Space Resource Hub
Targeted at developing the capacities of civil society organisations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.
Growing and Engaged Membership
NNNGO’s membership base continued to expand in 2025, reaching a total of 4,073 member organisations. These members span across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with strong representation in the South-West, South-South, and North-Central regions, alongside non-Nigerian members.
Capacity strengthening remained a priority, with 585 organisations trained across 36 states, equipping civil society actors with skills to improve governance, accountability, and programme delivery.
Expanding Digital Reach and Engagement
Digital platforms remained a powerful tool for connection and advocacy. In 2025, NNNGO’s content reached over 2.5 million people across social media platforms, generating close to one million engagements. The Network also grew its WhatsApp Channel to 289,653 followers, enabling direct and timely engagement with members and stakeholders.
Through SMS outreach, 9,487 recipients were reached with targeted information and updates, ensuring accessibility beyond social media platforms.
Website Performance and Knowledge Sharing
NNNGO’s website continued to serve as a central hub for information and resources. During the year, the website recorded 202,023 visits from 145,118 unique visitors, alongside 2.6 million hits and 483,000 Google searches. Knowledge sharing remained strong, with 8,449 reports downloaded, reflecting sustained demand for data, research, and sector insights.
Partnerships That Made the Impact Possible
Progress in 2025 was made possible through collaboration with valued partners and funders committed to strengthening civil society. These partnerships supported research, capacity development, civic space initiatives, and institutional strengthening across Nigeria and the region. Many thanks to NEAR, FORUS, Heinrich Böll Stiftung, WACSI, TY Danjuma Foundation Partnership, African Philanthropy Forum, Action for Sustainable Development, Agence Francais De Developpemnt
Looking Ahead
As the Network reflects on the achievements of 2025, the focus remains on deepening impact, strengthening partnerships, and advancing an enabling environment for civil society in 2026. With a growing membership and expanding reach, NNNGO remains committed to supporting nonprofits to drive sustainable development and social change.
CHEERS TO 2026!!!
Analysing the Nigerian Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organizations Agency Bill (HB. 941) against the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
Honourable Sada Soli (APC-House of Representatives) have introduced a bill that would suppress the rights of citizens to claim their freedom of association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The title of the Bill, Nigerian Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations Agency Bill (HB 941), presents a comprehensive regulatory framework intended to govern the existence and operation of “Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria. The stated objective of the Bill includes ensuring transparency and accountability (S.7(b)), however the provisions within the document as analysed reveals a fundamental undermining of the constitutional and international right to freedom of association.
Fill this form to download Analysing the Nigerian Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organizations Agency Bill (HB. 941) against the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) Report
NNNGO Annual General Meeting 2025: Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Sector Resilience
NNNGO Annual General Meeting 2025: Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Sector Resilience
NNNGO Annual Conference and AGM
November 12, 2025 – Lagos, Nigeria.
- Theme: Advancing Solutions and Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector
The Nigeria Network of NGOs held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 12, 2025, as part of the Network’s flagship Annual Conference in Lagos. The session, during which Mr. Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi, Executive Director, NNNGO, formally reported the activities of the Network, provided members with key updates on governance, institutional reforms, regulatory developments, and the strategic direction for the coming year.
A Stronger Board for a Stronger Sector
In his opening remarks, Oyebisi reflected on the onboarding of new Board Members earlier in March 2025. He noted that the strengthened Board made up of seasoned professionals and sector leaders – positions the Network to deliver more effectively on its mandate, particularly as NNNGO implements its new Strategic Plan.
According to recent research conducted by the NEAR Network, NNNGO has emerged as the most mature and advanced civil society network in Africa, a milestone that lauds the Network’s credibility and long-standing commitment to institutional excellence. Oyebisi emphasised that this success belongs to the members. Further noting and stressing the strength of NNNGO – “With our analysis of 178 member budgets out of 4,060 organisations, we documented a combined value of ₦1 billion. If we assessed the full membership, we would be looking at a potential ₦1 trillion contribution to the Nigerian economy. This is the strength of our Network.”
Defending the Sector: Regulatory Advocacy and Compliance Preparedness
One of the most significant areas of focus at the AGM was the increasing regulatory pressure on nonprofits in Nigeria.
Mr. Oyebisi highlighted NNNGO’s tireless advocacy to “defending the sector 110%” in engagements with: The Corporate Affairs Commission, The Federal Inland Revenue Service, and emerging tax and compliance frameworks. With Nigeria’s new tax law tightening scrutiny on nonprofit financial transactions, Oyebisi stressed that 2026 will usher in an era of stricter regulations. He warned that nonprofits must be fully prepared: File annual returns consistently; Pay PAYE for staff; Pay Withholding Tax (WHT) for consultants; Keep accurate receipts and financial documentation; Maintain transparent accounting systems; Understand VAT obligations on non-exempt items. (Penalties now range from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, particularly affecting organisations unknowingly operating outside compliance)
He also noted that If running a nonprofit becomes too burdensome, it is wise to pause and reconsider. “If it will be a burden for you to run a Nonprofit, please close shops, it’s not to scare you, but because we all know the economy is not as prosperous, if you can only help 50 or 10 beneficiaries, do so and close your eyes.”
He added that NNNGO is already exploring discussions around possible tax amnesty for the sector, especially for small and emerging organisations.
Strengthening Systems to Enhance Member Access to Funding
Looking ahead, Mr. Oyebisi announced plans to establish strong, functional internal systems that will help member organisations improve their capacity, governance, financial systems, and grant-readiness.
This initiative aims to position NNNGO members to secure funds from leading national and international funding organisations by meeting global compliance and reporting standards.
Civil Society Recognition: Sustaining Influence at the Global Level
The AGM also touched on the evolving relationship between civil society and global governance institutions.
While civil society voices face declining acceptance in some international spaces, NNNGO continues to champion strong representation. Mr. Oyebisi cited the organisation’s advocacy at the United Nations, including engagements involving the UN Secretary-General – where the Network emphasized the need for inclusive civil society participation in global decision-making processes.
This, he said, remains a core pillar of NNNGO’s work: ensuring Nigerian civil society stays visible, respected, and influential on the global stage.
A Network Strengthened by Its Members
In closing, Mr. Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi expressed deep gratitude to NNNGO’s partners, donors, and member organisations whose contributions sustain the Network’s work. “Because of you, we are the Nigeria Network of NGOs. Without your commitment, we cannot do what we do. This Network is strong because you are strong.”
The AGM reaffirmed NNNGO’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing institutional support, navigating regulatory shifts, and driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s nonprofit ecosystem.
NNNGO Annual Conference Fireside Chat: Honouring the Life and Legacy of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti
NNNGO Annual Conference Fireside Chat: Honouring the Life and Legacy of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti
NNNGO Annual Conference 2025
November 12, Lagos, Nigeria.
Theme: Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector
As part of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), a heartfelt fireside chat was convened to reflect on the extraordinary life, values, and enduring influence of Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Nigeria’s iconic public health advocate and the founding Chairman of the Network.
The conversation, moderated by Ms. Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director of Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, brought together two individuals deeply connected to his legacy: Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Board Member and Founding Executive Director, NNNGO.
Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado, Board Member, NNNGO
More than twenty-two years after his passing, Prof. Olikoye’s imprint on Nigeria’s health and development landscape remains unmistakable. His leadership helped shape policies, strengthen institutions, and build bridges between government, civil society, and international actors, paving the way for the establishment of NNNGO in 1992.
A Legacy Rooted in Integrity, Collaboration, and People-Centred Leadership
In line with this year’s theme – Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector, the session emphasised how Prof. Olikoye’s work serves as a blueprint for strengthening the third sector.
He embodied a style of leadership that was: Visionary, long before institutional strengthening became a development priority. Accountable, always prioritizing communities over politics. People-centred, ensuring no one, especially children was left behind. His commitment to collaboration laid the foundation for the Network’s formation, demonstrating that development thrives when individuals and organisations work together with trust and shared purpose.
“Uncle Koye”: A Personal Reflection from Yemisi Ransome-Kuti
In a moving tribute, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti described Prof. Olikoye not just as a national figure, but as a warm, relatable, deeply principled human being whom everyone fondly called “Uncle Koye.”
She painted a portrait of a man who was: Remarkable, humble, and compassionate. Disciplined and morally grounded. Deeply supportive, not through financial means but through wise counsel and staunch protection, who was dedicated to Nigerian culture and made-in-Nigeria brands.
His love for humanity, especially children shaped his calling as a pediatrician and later defined his contributions to national public health reform.
She further emphasized that NNNGO was born out of collaboration, a value Prof. Olikoye championed throughout his life. Many early collaborators “dropped off” because they could not work collectively, she noted, stressing the importance of nurturing: Collective action, Trust, and Transparency.
These, she affirmed, are the pillars that enabled NNNGO to grow into the vast network it is today, and the values the sector must continue to strengthen, especially at state and local government levels.
Preserving Humanity in Health: Insights from Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado
Offering another dimension to Prof. Olikoye’s legacy, Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado reflected on his character as a leader defined by: trustworthiness, accessibility, Integrity, and passion for service. These qualities, she says – earned him public respect and eventually the position of Minister of Health.
Dr. Tilley-Gyado challenged today’s healthcare workers and development actors to ask themselves: “How accessible are you to the communities you claim to serve?”
She highlighted Prof. Olikoye’s conviction that no one should be left behind, whether due to age, vulnerability, poverty, or social exclusion. This belief guided many of his initiatives, particularly during the emergence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
She recounted how Prof. Olikoye entrusted her to lead the National AIDS Control Programme, emphasizing preparedness, advocacy, and proactive collaboration. His leadership resulted in: Federal approval for state governments to allocate ₦1 million annually to AIDS control, and Local governments budgeting ₦500,000 for the same purpose; Nationwide campaigns to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and mobilize effective community response.
Through these efforts, Olikoye demonstrated how small beginnings, supported by strong planning and integrity, can evolve into transformative national movements.
A Model for the Future of Nigeria’s Third Sector
The fireside chat concluded with a reflection:
As Prof. Olikoye’s legacy is more than history is indeed a roadmap.
His values speak directly to the challenges and opportunities of today’s nonprofit ecosystem, which are: Strengthening collaboration across sectors; Building systems that are resilient and responsive; Embracing locally owned solutions; Centering humanity in all development efforts; Leading with honesty, passion, compassion, and courage
As Nigeria’s nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, the life and work of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti remain a guiding light, a light in sustainable development, that begins with integrity, collaboration, and community participation.
NNNGO Annual Conference – Plenary Session: Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector
NNNGO Annual Conference – Plenary Session: Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector
NNNGO Annual Conference 2025
November 12, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Nigeria Network of NGOs hosted an insightful plenary session at its 2025 Annual Conference, themed “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector.” The session convened leading voices in philanthropy, youth development, foundations, and nonprofit leadership to explore how localisation, philanthropy, and volunteerism can work together to transform Nigeria’s development landscape.
The discussion was moderated by Ms. Oyindamola Aramide, Senior Programme Officer at the Nigeria Network of NGOs, who set the tone by emphasizing the urgency of strengthening systems that enable nonprofits to deliver sustainable societal impact.
Distinguished Panelists:
Ms. Mosun Layode, Executive Director, African Philanthropy Forum
Ms. Solape Fayemi, CEO, SohcahToa Foundation
Mr. Oje Ivagba, Program Director, Ishk Tolaram Foundation
Mr. Joshua Alade, Executive Director, Nigeria Youth SDGs Network
Together, they unpacked the evolving realities of the nonprofit ecosystem and shared actionable insights on how meaningful support can be scaled across communities.
Key Insights From the Conversation
- Localisation as the Pathway to Sustainable Impact
Panelists agreed that local actors are central to driving effective and context-specific solutions. They highlighted the need for increased investment in community-based organisations who possess the cultural understanding, trust, and long-term commitment required to solve complex development challenges.
- Philanthropy Must Become More Inclusive and Strategic
Ms. Layode stressed on the importance of building a stronger culture of giving in Africa, encouraging philanthropists, private sector players, and everyday citizens to support social causes, with data-driven philanthropy, transparency, and collaboration to ensure that resources reach the organisations best positioned to make impacts.
- Volunteerism as a Catalyst for Social Change
From youth-led initiatives to cross-sector partnerships, the session drew on how volunteerism remains a powerful tool for mobilising communities, amplifying nonprofit reach, and nurturing future leaders. Mr. Alade highlighted the growing momentum of youth engagement as a mechanism for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Innovative, People-Centred Approaches Are Key
The speakers called for adaptive systems, flexible funding mechanisms, and supportive institutional policies that allow nonprofits to thrive. Strengthening organisational capacity, improving governance structures, and leveraging technology were also identified as important pathways for building a resilient nonprofit ecosystem.
A Collective Call to Action
The plenary session reinforced a shared understanding: Nigeria’s development challenges require coordinated, community-led, and innovative solutions. By strengthening localisation, promoting a culture of philanthropy, and expanding opportunities for volunteerism, stakeholders can drive lasting social change and enhance the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector.
As the nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, the NNNGO remains committed to convening leaders, fostering collaboration, and enabling organisations to build stronger systems for greater impact.