News

May 31, 2022

The Nigeria Network of NGOs welcomes Ishk Tolaram Foundation As a Member of The Network

Announcing our newest member-organisation Ishk Tolaram Foundation

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The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) is pleased to announce the addition of Ishk Tolaram Foundation to its membership.

This development will raise the Networks’ profile and signal the start of a relationship that will further strengthen our efforts at building capacity of organisations across the third sector.

Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi, Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs welcomed Ishk Tolaram Foundation to the Network noting that “NNNGO is excited at Ishk Tolaram Foundation’s decision to join our membership in the sponsor category as it highlights the value the Foundation places on cross-sector partnerships in strengthening the work of national associations like NNNGO to deliver critical initiatives, projects and programmes for the future of the nonprofit sector.”

Thank you @ishktolaram for the important work you do 🌍over as we continue to work together for #sustainabledevelopment

May 30, 2022

NNNGO welcomes the non inclusion of nonprofits as designated nonfinancial institution in the money laundering and terrorism prevention laws.

NNNGO welcomes the non inclusion of nonprofits as designated nonfinancial institution in the money laundering and terrorism prevention laws.

Both the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) ACT, 2022 and Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) ACT, 2022 have removed nonprofits from its definition of designated nonfinancial institutions (DNFI) after years of advocacy.

LAGOS, Nigeria. May 18, 2022/NNNGO—The Nigeria Network of NGOs welcomed the non inclusion of nonprofits in the definition of designated nonfinancial intuitions by the Nigerian government in both the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) ACT, 2022 and Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) ACT, 2022 representing an important win for the nonprofit sector and a bold step in creating an enabling environment for the operations of civil society organisations in Nigeria.

“I would like to express my excitement and congratulate the National Assembly and Federal Government for creating an enabling environment for civil society to thrive by removing nonprofits from the DNFI list. The inclusion of our sector on the list has hindered the operations of many organisations. With this non inclusion a regulatory burden is taken off organisations in the areas of monthly cash transaction reports and SCUML examination visits. The atmosphere for our work from the moment these laws were signed by Mr. President remains positive” NNNGO Executive Director, Oyebisi. B. Oluseyi said in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a careful review of both laws.

There have been some difficult moments in this lengthy advocacy which has seen the Network engaging with regulators, evaluators and the National Assembly from the 8th and 9th Assemblies in line with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendations and its interpretative notes. The work also done by our friends at Spaces for Change (S4C) and our regulators at the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering in getting to this point is commendable. “I believe this win, driven largely by outcomes of the mutual evaluation for Nigeria demonstrates the country’s ability to focus on its state- building priorities and is an opportunity to improve civic space,” Oyebisi said.

“Now its time for other African countries especially countries using the FATF Recommendations to shrink civic space to learn from Nigeria and to work on critical national priorities that still face civil society’’ he added. “There’s much work to be done and we look forward to being the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering’s (SCUML) partners in addressing the vulnerabilities of the sector to money laundering and terrorism financing”.

–End—

For further information
Oyindamola Aramide
Communications Lead, Nigeria Network of NGOs
oyindamola.aramide@nnngo.org
+234 906 946 0107

About the Nigeria Network of NGOs
NNNGO is the first generic membership organisation for nonprofits in Nigeria dedicated to improving the operational environment for nonprofits. NNNGO brings together more than 3,400 nonprofits from around the country focused on education, health, environment, gender, agriculture, social protection, youth, poverty, good governance, and other areas of progressing national development. Since 1992, NNNGO has worked to advance the common interests of the sector, providing programs that advance national development, civil society legitimacy, transparency, and accountability.

May 30, 2022

Civic Space & Covid-19

Introduction

The coronavirus pandemic has profound consequences for citizens and businesses across different Nigerian communities as the virus continues to shape local, national, and global agendas towards addressing the triple crisis of health emergency, economy, and political instability. As Nigeria emerged from the lockdown following the COVID-19 crisis, the Nigeria Network of NGOs has been documenting lessons from the measures and the impact they have on civic space. This report is based on two sets of evidence:

Open-source tracking of government measures through official press releases and statements issued by national and sub-national governments on their websites and social media handles.

Download https://nnngo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/civic-space-Covid-19-1.pdf here :

December 11, 2021

100 Civil Society Leaders: Celebrating nonprofit leaders inspiring the sector and country with their success stories

Civil society organisations play an important role in the country’s socio-economic life contributing largely to both democracy and development. These organisations are founded and led by individuals with passion for change in a world full of challenges. In honour of such individuals, the Nigeria Network of NGOs with support from Google.org created a platform “100 CSO Leaders” to identify, celebrate and recognise nonprofit leaders who have been game changers within civil society. The recipient of this recognition belongs to different thematic categories like human rights, digital rights, disability and inclusion, good governance, environment, academia, youth development, gender, extractives, civic space, and agriculture to mention a few.

To recognise these leaders. a call for application was conducted, and several entities were assessed following rigorous sourcing, nomination, referencing and shortlisting process from an initial list of hundreds of civil society leaders drawn up based on responses to our call, recommendations from organisations and senior sector leaders.

Amidst global and national onslaught of constant contestations, growing infringement on rights, shrinking civic space,

conflicting deadlines and schedules, limited access to financial resources, break-neck speed of policies, laws, and regulations, identifying and celebrating these leaders that are using their influence, ideas, example, talent and discoveries to shape our country and world is long overdue.

“It is a privilege to have been associated with the work that led to the identification of these great sector leaders. Learning about their exemplary performance and reading all of their individual profiles have truly enriched me. It is good to see firsthand how these individuals have contributed to civil society’s growth and along the journey inspired others” Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi, Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs said.

This prestigious list (populated on an ongoing basis) celebrates hard work, innovation, achievements and proves how these leaders have pushed boundaries and continuously sought ways to better society. This recognition will play a very important role in growing and inspiring more sector leaders including motivating those recognised to do more for communities they serve.

The list of recipients can be found at https://100.nnngo.org/

*** The listing is based on shared and open soured information. The NNNGO team took reasonable approach and measures to get complete and accurate information. However, any lapse or concealment of information or any part thereof that would have impacted our listing or recognition of the leaders in any way is beyond the control of the Network or Google.org. Hence, we assume no responsibility towards the said. This listing does not necessarily mean endorsement by Google.org***

August 9, 2021

Urgent: Reputational Damage by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Matthew T. Page

Urgent: Reputational Damage by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Matthew T. Page

Dear Members,

The Nigeria Network of NGOs is bringing to your attention a report published on Wednesday 28 July 2021, listing the Nigeria Network of NGOs as a “fake civil society organisation and pro-government NGO”. The report was published by Matthew T Page a non-resident Fellow at Carnegie Endowment based in Washington DC.

In his note (Appendix 3) labelled “Based on analysis of a detailed, author-compiled data set of more than 360 pro-government NGOs It is accessible at: https://tinyurl.com/55bem3n8” and his analysis of NNNGO on serial number 313, the level of “analysis of a detailed, author-compiled data set” that went into this research is revealed when compared with the wealth of information about the Network on our website at www.nnngo.org

As part of a formal response, we thought it important to inform our esteemed members, all 3033 of you on this development and to make a clear stand against this publication essentially because it goes against our mission, vision and purpose as an organisation. This report presents a completely wrong image of the Network and its claims, based on lack of evidence or sufficient information as is seen from the dearth of information about the Network.

We have launched an official communications strategy to enable us effectively respond to these allegations and have begun the processes to ensuring the allegations are retracted and an official apology issued by the researcher and the publishing organisation by issuing a formal letter addressed to the Interim President of Carnegie Endowment International for Peace. Read the letter here https://nnngo.org/initial-response-to-carnegie-and-mr-t-page-on-fake-civil-society-report/

To show your support and stand during this process, we urge that you kindly sign the petition in this link https://nnngo.org/petition-against-defamation/ and share the creatives attached in this email using the hashtags #NNNGOisLegit #IStandWithNNNGO across your media platforms.

Thanks, as we continue to count on your loyalty as members of the Nigeria Network of NGOs.

Signed
Nigeria Network of NGOs
15, Ramat Crescent,
Ogudu GRA, Lagos

July 28, 2021

Petition Against Defamation

On Wednesday 28 July 2021, a research report listing the Nigeria Network of NGOs as a “fake civil society organisation and pro-government NGO” was published by Matthew T Page a non-resident Fellow at Carnegie Endowment based in Washington DC.

As part of a formal response, we call on Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria and across the world, our members, partners, donors and stakeholders to stand with us against this publication essentially because it goes against our mission, vision and purpose as an organisation. This report presents a completely wrong image of the Network and its claims, based on lack of evidence or sufficient information as is seen from the dearth of information about the Network within the report.

We urge that you sign this petition in support of NNNGO as we take a stand against these defamatory allegations

[emailpetition id=”1″]

July 28, 2021October 31, 2025

initial response to carnegie and Mr. T page on fake civil society report

On behalf of the Board, members and staff of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), I write to express our grave concerns with the report written by Mr. Matthew T Page, a non-resident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace published on Carnegie’s website at https://carnegieendowment.org/2021/07/28/fake-civil-society-rise-of-pro-government-ngos-in-nigeria-pub-85041?utm_source=carnegieemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=announcement&mkt_tok=MDk1LVBQVi04MTMAAAFjGqpq0Ro0tfbednVFFmt1b54oDL6UPwNel0qZwcqchLv_JunVFVLstV_byJK_tsUex4_H8uLDrEhbXpcksZBX1Zdhz7TuBBQDDnU0nBci_M on 28 July, 2021.

While we welcome a review of the civil society sector in Nigeria, we are worried that a research report such as the one published by Carnegie damages the reputation of civil societyorganisations in the South especially when it is not grounded in rigorous methodology and evidence.

NNNGO is the first generic membership organisation for nonprofits in Nigeria dedicated to improving the operational environment for nonprofits. NNNGO brings together more than 3,300 nonprofits from around the country focused on education, health, environment, gender, agriculture, social protection, youth, poverty, good governance, and other areas of progressing national development. Since 1992, NNNGO has worked to advance the common interests of the sector, providing programs that advance national development, civil society legitimacy, transparency, and accountability.

.Our initial response will be limited to the “key takeaways” section and Note 3 titled Based on analysis of a detailed, author-compiled data set of more than 360 pro-government NGOs. It is accessible at: https://tinyurl.com/55bem3n8 of the report at this time.

March 1, 2021

CALL FOR FACILITATORS

Background
The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) is the first generic membership body for civil society organisations in Nigeria that facilitates effective advocacy on issues of poverty and other developmental issues. Through its civil society reforms and strengthening programme, it has constructively engaged regulators and the National Assembly on laws guiding the operations of civil society organisations to improve the operational environment for nonprofits including improving the sector’s transparency and accountability.

With the support of Google.org, the Network is currently embarking on a project to build the capacity of nonprofits in Nigeria. It is aimed at addressing the findings (capacity gaps) identified in the Nonprofit Assessment research undertaken by the Nigeria Network of NGOs including the building of digital skills by nonprofit board, executive directors and staff.

NNNGO is therefore soliciting interest from experienced facilitators in the nonprofit sector (preferably Executive Directors), to work with the Network in training nonprofit board, Executive Directors and staff, in her events.

Scope of Work
The facilitator will work with NNNGO team to carry train nonprofits on three key events viz- Executive Director’s hangout, nonprofit management training and a board conference.
Specifically, the key areas for the events are:

i. Executive Directors hangout: interested facilitators should have experience in Leading nonprofit, Organisational concerns (such as staffing issues, board management, organisational management, time management, planning and strategy, fundraising and succession planning).

ii. Nonprofit management training: the facilitator should have broad insights on key current management issues for nonprofit organisations. Strategic planning, work planning, budgeting, communications, nonprofit friendly digital tools, skills and apps, reporting-narrative and financial management.

iii. Board conference: practical tips will be provided on nonprofit governance- board job description, terms of reference and ways of working, board governance codes and standards, understanding nonprofit audits and measuring the executive director’s performance.

Output and Deliverables
The facilitator will work with the NNNGO team in producing the following key deliverables:

i. A power point presentation and tools on related topic

ii. Delivery of training based on the power point presentations.

iii. A report on the event

iv. Analysis of an end of event evaluation survey

Duration and Time Schedule
The facilitator can only work in one location of an event, and it is expected to indicate an area of interest that can be handled properly. The events will take place from March through July.

Location and Dates for the events
i. Executive Director’s Hangout
• Lagos: March 17, 2021
• Kano: April 14, 2021
• Benin: April 20, 2021

ii. Nonprofit Management Training
• Port-Harcourt: May 3 – 7, 2021
• Abuja: May 23 – 27, 2021
• Ibadan: June 14 – 16, 2021

iii. Nonprofit Board Conference
• Lagos: July 15, 2021

Reporting
The facilitator shall report through the Project Officer to the Executive Director on the assignment and on all other logistics until the deliverables are submitted as required.

Qualification
The facilitator should have vast knowledge and experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably an executive director or top civil society personnel with experience on:

i. Leading a nonprofit

ii. Governance strategy and structure

iii. Human resource, personnel and management

iv. Project management, monitoring and evaluation

v. Funding and organizational sustainability

vi. Use of technology

Application Process
Interested individuals should complete this form and upload a copy of their Curriculum Vitae by March 12, 2021.

For further clarification, you may contact:
Chidinma Okpara at: chidinma.okpara@nnngo.org

To Apply, click on the link below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLIw9z0hAg5s_rnPWgaSseUtcKzmo17ZZv-YvRhPu7I1MgeA/viewform

December 10, 2020

ADVOCACY FOR WIDOWS EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

“Widows are an integral part of the society, irrespective of the loss of their husbands” says Funmilayo Raji, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The message was delivered by the Lagos State Government to the five hundred widows who attended an event organized by Advocacy for Widows Empowerment Foundation, AdWEF in commemoration of the International widows’ day 2017. They were further urged not to lose hope due to the transition of their spouses but endeavour to summon courage and forge ahead in life in order to cater for their children and other members of their families.

A member organization of Nigeria Network of NGOs, AdWEF is a non-profit organization founded by Mr. Willie Workman Oga in 2012. It was aimed at providing succor and empowerment opportunities for widows across Nigeria. The organization which purportedly began operations at a small office in ACME road, Ikeja Lagos with five members now boasts of an impressive membership base of three thousand widows spanning across eight states in the country.

“As a son of a widow, my love for charity started with caring for the less privileged by visiting and organizing parties for charity homes like Modupe Cole Memorial home and some others” noted Mr. Willie Workman Oga, who is also a veteran Nollywood artiste, music director and producer. “Since inception five years ago, we have embarked on farming projects in Benue, Plateau and Kaduna states respectively as well as helping to establish a widows farmers’ cooperative society”, he further stated.

AdWEF was established in response to the plight of widows and the bid to take action towards helping to meet their needs and discover latent potentials in order to nurture their children without having to resort to the indignities engendered by poverty and lack of support. AdWEF acts as an advocate for widows by providing legal support regarding their basic rights and how to insist on them.

Parts of the work of AdWEF are that it sources for funds through sponsorships, fundraising, and donations for the training of 200 widows annually, collaborates with financial institutions on how to provide adequate funding and loans for widows to begin their own businesses, monitors the progress of the widows under various programmes organized by AdWEF as well as introduce widows to mentors from different walks of life.

One peculiar programme which sets AdWEF apart as an organization is its believe in the importance of proactivity; AdWEF cooperates with other NGOs to educate men on the need to write their wills early in life and to make their wives their next of kin in all insurance, employment and banking documents. This allows easy access to funds and entitlements in instances of their deaths.

Recently, AdWEF founder Willie Workman oga received a recognition award for his outstanding work for selfless service presented by The Women of Essence. The award was an avenue to celebrate, appreciate, inspire and encourage people and organisations that have selflessly impacted on communities.

Other projects involved in by AdWEF include training widows on skills acquisition in areas of soap-making and production of school lunch bags. Inclusive is an ongoing educational campaign project tagged “Sponsor a Widows’ Child Education for A Guaranteed Future”. This project was aimed at sponsoring the education of children of members of AdWEF and has recorded tremendous success since it began courtesy of partners of AdWEF such as TaZor Lee Foundation in Dublin and other spirited individuals.

August 12, 2020

OUR IMMEDIATE THINKING TO THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT

https://www.thecable.ng/ngos-religious-organisation-regulation-bill-smuggled-into-cama-2020

Part F of CAMA, In reaction to the article in the link above, OUR IMMEDIATE THINKING:

While we must guide against the abuse of this section of the law (Part F of CAMA), a regulator should have the powers to suspend while investigations on gross misconduct are ongoing. These are regulatory best practices.
See: https://www.acnc.gov.au/raise-concern/concerns-about-charities/what-acnc-can-investigate
https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity and https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/complaints/investigations

For example the case of rape in a Church or Nonprofit. The ideal thing would have been for the Board of the organisation to step in, suspend the pastor then investigate. Where this has not happened, the regulator would step in and take necessary steps to address the situation part of which will be to suspend at first, investigate and reinstate where possible.

In our immediate thinking, you cannot be a judge in your own case especially when complaints of gross misconducts are brought against you. That section of the law was clear on what grounds the suspension can happen. The section quoted also noted that this cannot be done without the approval of the Minister.

With nonprofits activities coming under public scrutiny and demand for transparency and accountability. We think this section of the law is an important milestone for addressing misconduct in our sector and addressing concerns by external stakeholders including the National Assembly.

We must all work with the Corporate Affairs Commission to ensure that regulations emanating from the law captures a) how investigations will be carried out, b) issues that can be investigated by the Commission and examples/typology of cases that fall under gross-misconduct, c) proportionality and appropriateness of sanctions and penalty, d) appeal processes including how as a sector we prevent abuse of such clauses through regulatory performance frameworks and oversight.