PRESS RELEASE

June 10, 2020

NNNGO Launches Nonprofit Self-Assessment Tool (NOPSAT)

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The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) has begun the process of improving capacity within the Nigerian Nonprofit sector with the launch of its Nonprofit Self-Assessment Tool (NOPSAT), an e-instrument designed to help evaluate the efficiency of NGOs.

NNNGO sought to provide Nonprofits with a platform that allows its users to conduct a “health check” on their organisation based on information provided so that Nonprofits that log onto NOPSAT will be able to carry out an assessment on their organisations and thus, measure structure, systems, capacities, strengths and weakness in terms of financing, interaction with donors and beneficiaries as well as compliance to nonprofit laws and regulatory trends.

Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi, NNNGO Executive Director said; “We believe that a more efficient nonprofit with the right governance, financial, programme management monitoring and reporting framework will reinforce the attainment of agenda 2030 and make the nonprofit sector more accountable. This self-assessment tool will help nonprofits better understand how to shape their governance and operations in line with global best practices and in adherence to laws that regulate nonprofit activities in the country. We have, in this tool, set measurable indicators for efficiency and growth including goals to hold ourselves accountable as individual organisations. We know that a sector-wide attainment of these indicators will lead to stronger, innovative and sustainable third sector”.

Organisations can be evaluated based on honest responses to prompts intended to measure their governance strategy and structure, human resources and administration, programme management, monitoring and reporting along with its financial management and sustainability.

Ultimately, the outcome of the check will provide an opportunity for Nonprofits to strengthen their organisation, put sustainable systems in place and seek capacity development where lacking.

Click here to download

To assess the status of your organisation, do a self-assessment today by clicking url=”https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nonprofitactioncentre.org/assessment/&source=gmail&ust=1552559306367000&usg=AFQjCNExB_66h4aQ-R2iVxA7WUy2wjiQpw”>http://www.nonprofitactioncentre.org/assessment/

For further information, please contact,

Chidinma Okpara : chidinma.okpara@nnngo.org

Adeola Odunsi: adeola.odunsi@nnngo.org

+234906 946 0107

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June 2, 2020

CALL FOR APPLICATION

If you have the experience and would like to join a busy team to support nonprofit sector organisations across the country, we have exciting opportunities for you. Full details of the position can be found in the scope of works on this page; simply click on the positions that interest you and get more information. The link to the application form is at the end of this page.

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Women and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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May 1, 2020

Remarks on International Workers’ Day

01 May 2020

Today has a particularly important meaning for us as individuals working or volunteering in the nonprofit sector. As we reflect on our contributions to the country, our efforts in helping to curb the spread of Covid-19 and maintain support to the vulnerable population whom we traditionally serve, I am grateful to the hardworking men and women who work in the sector, earning next to nothing, under very tight working conditions, deadlines and lean resources to give hope to millions of people in communities across the country.

As one who has worked all his life in the sector, starting as a volunteer and gradually moving up the ladder into full staff, I understand first-hand the goodwill that comes with working with nonprofit organisations as well as the downsides. That is why as part of my work in the coming months, I will be convening a nonprofit staff forum to discuss issues you face and create together some fun-filled activities to celebrate our work and the value we bring to the development landscape in Nigeria and across the world.

Certainly, it will take a while for our world to return to normal. More than ever before, we will now need a more dedicated and resilient workforce that will help deliver post-Covid responses across the country alongside our normal programming before the pandemic.

I hope I can count on you to stay safe and committed to bringing development to the doorsteps of the common man.

Thank you for all you do!

Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi
Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs.

March 27, 2020

Press Release- Call for a Total Lock-down of the Nation

Lagos, Nigeria, March 27, 2020

Amid the current COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria—the Nigeria Network of NGOs is following with appreciation, the efforts of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos State Government, Private Sector, Philanthropists and Civil Society Organisations to curb the spread of the virus.

The members of the Network welcomes encouraging developments coming from the handling of the outbreak including the measures being taken by governments at the sub-national level and recognises that this represents a significant step towards ending the pandemic. Members also welcomed the measures being considered by the Federal Government as announced by the Minister of Information and Culture on March 26, 2020.

With the current status of the world right now and the unprecedented spread of COVID-19, this is the right time for Nigeria to enforce a total lock-down. We are increasingly concerned about the impact a further delay in locking down the country could have on the spread of the disease considering our weak healthcare system.

Understanding that measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic must be properly weighed and taken seriously, following stakeholder-wide consultations with its members, experts, thought leaders, trends analysis and results of an opinion poll, the Nigeria Network of NGOs encourages the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider a total lock-down of the country for 14 days.

We understand the impact a lock-down would have on the vulnerable and under-served communities. However, this is a decision that prioritizes citizens’ welfare, safety and social responsibility. The resulting scenario from a lack of timely decision to implement a total lock-down could be seen from ongoing spread of the outbreak in the United States and Britain—world powers with better healthcare systems.

In times like this, our resilience as citizens will come to the fore as can be seen from our history. When the spread is curtailed, we must now as a nation prioritise our national identity management and banking system including a robust social protection floor to capture as many citizens as possible and address the fallout from the pandemic.

*— End— *

About the Nigeria Network of NGOs.

The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) is the first generic membership body for civil society organizations in Nigeria that facilitates effective advocacy on issues of poverty and other developmental issues. For 28 years, we have worked to give non-profits in the country the needed support to keep their doors open and to serve millions of communities, families, individuals and variety of causes that critically need their intervention. www.nnngo.org

For further information:

Oyindamola Aramide

oyindamola.aramide@nnngo.org

+234 706 516 0956

March 23, 2020

Understanding The Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear Colleagues,

Like many of you, we have spent the last few days and weeks understanding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it is impacting the nonprofit sector. For the Nigeria Network of NGOs, that means learning how it affects employees, beneficiaries and communities we serve, including what the necessary adjustments to our work and operations would look like.

As the outbreak escalates, our focus has been on keeping people safe and informed especially nonprofit employees. This going forward will be at the centre of our conversations for days and months to come. We have made several moves in our operations that I would like to share with you.

I have listened to my colleagues individually to understand how the outbreak will affect their productivity and have used this information to decide what measures we need to put in place to support each staff. One of such is the voluntary work from home policy, where I am allowing staff members, especially those with long commute, to work from home should they decide to.

We have ramped up our personal hygiene with hand sanitizers distributed to all staff and hand washing encouraged. We are practicing social distancing while at work and contributing positively to public discourse on the outbreak while serving as a source of calm and sound advice internally and externally.

To do what we can to help stop the spread of the virus, our Lagos and Ibadan offices are closed to visitors from Monday 23, 2020, a strict travel ban for employees is in place and we have cancelled workshops and events with large gatherings in line with government directives. We are closely following the Nigeria Center for Disease Control’s (NCDC) guideline and recommendations on the steps we can take to prevent the spread of the virus.

We also want to help our members everywhere to find help and receive training and support from our team. We are expanding our premium membership benefits to all members and opening up all our electronic channels—email: nnngo@nnngo.org , seyi@nnngo.org , timothy@nnngo.org , adeola.odunsi@nnngo.org , chidinma.okpara@nnngo.org , aramide.oyindamola@nnngo.org ; phone: 0906 946 0107, 0906 948 6207, 0906 946 9197 to pick up your request for support. We are here to help.

We understand the outbreak will have implications for contractual engagement with donors. Please let them know immediately how this is affecting your work as you may have to renegotiate restrictions and timing on grant reporting and explicitly plan for the unexpected.

Whatever happens in the next coming days, weeks and months we will be here to help nonprofits address their challenges. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do all we can to provide support and guidance to weather the storm.

Thank you.

Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi,
Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs.

March 18, 2020

House of Representatives Rejects Civil Society Bill

Lagos, Nigeria, March 17, 2020/NNNGO/

The 2,719 members of the Nigeria Network of NGOs warmly welcome the resolve of the House of Representatives to reject “A Bill to Establish the Civil Societies Regulatory Commission for Coordinated Regulation of Civil Society Organisations” which happened on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

This resolution results from the commitment of lawmakers particularly those who stood on the floor of the House to uphold fundamental freedoms associated with civic space. We are pleased that the rejection of this bill drew its strength from constitutional provisions of our dear country, which provides the framework for freedom of association and assembly. We are satisfied with Hon. Tajudeen Abbas’ (sponsor of the bill) interest to step down the bill.

A moment of great importance has been accorded to the work of civil society organisations with this singular act by members of the House of Representatives.

With members of the House of Representatives rejecting this bill, there is now real hope that the journey to protecting civic space in Nigeria has started, one if properly embarked upon will lead to opportunities for more inclusive society.

March 13, 2019

PRESS RELEASE – NNNGO Launches Nonprofit Self-Assessment Tool (NOPSAT)

Ultimately, the outcome of the check will provide an opportunity for Nonprofits to strengthen their organisation, put sustainable systems in place and seek capacity development where lacking.

To assess the status of your organisation, do a self-assessment today by clicking http://www.nonprofitactioncentre.org/assessment/

For further information, please contact,

Chidinma Okpara : chidinma.okpara@nnngo.org

Adeola Odunsi: adeola.odunsi@nnngo.org

+234906 946 0107

January 30, 2019

Press Release – NNNGO Partners TechSoup West Africa to Provide Affordable Technology to CSOs in Nigeria

The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) has partnered the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) to provide technological tools at discounted prices to nonprofits organisations in Nigeria under the TechSoup West Africa technology donation programme. TechSoup West Africa is a technology donation programme which provides technical support and technological tools to nonprofit organisations across West Africa at little or no cost.

NNNGO’s partnership with WASCI will provide services to Nigerian Nonprofits through technology donation, training and technical assistance at subsidized rates thus, creating a system through which Nonprofits can become more productive and efficient through access to advanced technology.

Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, the Executive Director of WACSI, noted that “this is an opportunity CSOs/NGOs in Nigeria should take full advantage of. It offers the chance to get otherwise expensive but also relevant software for CSOs/NGOs at heavily discounted prices, and enables them to save funds that they can reinvest into other core operational costs. It’s a win-win either way!”

CSOs will be afforded the opportunity to offset their operations cost from IT equipment and infrastructure to support their social mission. This opportunity will strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of CSOs to become more collaborative, responsive and resilient through the use of technology thereby putting Nigerian nonprofits on the map towards global recognition and sustainability.

The Executive Director, NNNGO, Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi noted that “NNNGO is interested in initiatives that build the capacity and improve the quality of work within civil society. This partnership with WACSI is a welcome development and will positively impact the sector”.

Since inception, TechSoup and its global partners have reached more than one million and twenty thousand nonprofit organisations and donated over 10.1billion USD in technological tools and philanthropic services. TechSoup is present in more than 236 countries and territories across the globe and has been implemented in Northern, Eastern and Southern Africa.

To receive discounted product as low as 4-5% of their retail value, kindly visit www.techSoup.global , register your organisation and place an order.

Contacts

nnngo@nnngo.org or call 09069460107

January 23, 2019

2019 Letter to Nonprofit Leaders

Dear Nonprofit Leader,

As we reflect on the sector in 2018, we think about how the work you have done in communities across the country have touched and inspired hope in the less privileged. We have been most influenced by your resilience, empathy for the downtrodden and found motivation in how you are doing so much with very little resources.

Twenty-seven years ago, when our founding mothers and fathers first began to work on the idea that would become the Nigeria Network of NGOs, they were convinced as much as we are now, that nonprofits play an important role in the fabrics of our development and democracy as a nation. They believed that the resources and approaches of the sector if well leveraged by government and the private sector can have a bigger impact together in the attainment of our national development goals than in silos.

They imagined a Network that can improve the operational environment for nonprofits to thrive. In the last 5 years we have had the opportunity of translating this imagination to reality through our sustained engagement with the executive and legislative arms of Government on the operations of nonprofits. In May 2018, we were proud to see the results of our work in the repeal and reenactment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) which included our recommendations for the review of the Part C which is now Part F of CAMA in the version passed by the Senate.

As we look into 2019, three key challenges stand out for our sector, testing our values.

Our ability as a sector to remain non-partisan

With the 2019 elections only few weeks away, our sector will need to balance its strong links to beneficiaries and more generally to the bottom billion, high level command of public trust and confidence with the political preferences of nonprofit leaders. It is essential to note that nonprofits cannot give their support to a political party or candidate. How our sector manages itself especially in demarcating between activism, advocacy campaign and political campaign will be tested in 2019 and will serve as a benchmark for the 2023 elections.

Civil Society Diversity

Our differences in opinion, perspectives and understanding of issues while an asset will continue to test our common stand on issues such as rights to freedom of speech, assembly and association. We are witnessing a growing trend in our inability to stand up for each other and to clearly define what the protection of civic space means to our sector and our organisations. Our sector will be challenged on how it responds (collectively) to the arrest and prosecution of human right defenders especially those perceived to have political affiliations and interests including how we rally support for nonprofit organisations (local and international) that may be labelled or victimized as anti-government for their work on protecting the rights of the disadvantaged.

Family

Civil society, being an array of organisations outside of government and private sector, derives its strength from the family unit. Our beliefs and thoughts on family planning will shape how as organisations and leaders we support the need for Nigeria to focus energies on managing its population dynamics through improved funding by the Federal, State and Local Governments to family planning programmes- allocated from their domestic resources. It is increasingly clear that our rate of population growth will continue to lead to hunger, malnutrition, housing shortage, inequality and increased crime rate. Our sector will be challenged by how civil society actors, influencers, leaders and institutions within civil society understand the role of family planning in attaining the SDGs and in coalescing around initiatives that call for increased funding to family planning programmes and services.

Addressing these challenges will be our focus in 2019 at the Nigeria Network of NGOs. Rallying sector leaders around proffering solutions to these challenges, navigating through their wisdom, integrity and influence including coalescing for better results and impacts are the key successes we want to see in 2019.

Certainly, this will be a “long walk to freedom”. We are confident that with you, the journey will be short, adventurous as well as challenging; but in the end, VICTORY WILL BE CERTAIN.

Thank you for coming with us on this journey!

Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi

Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs.

August 9, 2018

Civil society groups must speak up against the shrinking civic space in Nigeria after National Assembly invasion

The time has come for the civil society community in Nigeria and world over to speak up against the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, Spaces for Change [S4C] and Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) said today, after the National Assembly invasion. Heavily–armed security operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Security Services (DSS) barricaded the entrance of the Nigerian federal parliament on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, preventing federal lawmakers from accessing their offices to carry out their lawful legislative duties.

“The civil society community must strongly resist these undemocratic tendencies. Nigerian authorities must end this trend of shrinking civic space and weakening of democratic institutions in the country”, said Ms. Yemisi Ramsome-Kuti, Nigeria Network of NGOs Trustee.

DSS’ Tuesday invasion of the National Assembly is the height of closing civic space any country could witness in a democracy, said Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director at Spaces for Change.

Nigeria’s Vice-President ordered the sack of the Director General of the DSS following the intense public outrage that greeted the invasion. While we applaud and welcome the sack of the Director General of the DSS, it must be noted that there are several cases of attacks by the DSS on civil society activists, journalists and human rights defenders in the country. Spaces for Change has has tracked 103 incidents of governmental restrictions on free speech, association, religious and assembly rights that occurred between May 2015 – May 2017. See www.closingspaces.org.

In its March 2018 United Nations Universal Periodic Review Report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the NNNGO and Civicus are “alarmed by attacks on and intimidation of human right defenders, civil society activists and journalists in Nigeria, predominantly carried out by operatives of the Department of State Security”.

The civil society community cannot continue to look the other way as DSS’ role in the closing of civic space in the country continues. With the invasion of the National Assembly, Spaces for Change and the NNNGO are concerned the attack and intimidation by the DSS on citizens will continue to grow if not properly checked.

We are very alarmed that a revered institution such as the National Assembly can be invaded by the DSS in a democracy. Spaces for Change and the Nigeria Network of NGOs stand together with the National Assembly in this difficult time and we continue to call for the protection of civic space by all democratic associations, movements and institutions in the country.

The DSS reports directly to the Presidency. Accordingly, President Mohammadu Buhari must make good his commitment to the rule of law by not only ordering all security forces in the country to respect the rights of citizens to freedom of assembly, speech and association, but also by restraining the DSS from continuing its vicious campaign of intimidation and suppression of the rights of citizens under the guise of state security.

The new DSS boss must show true leadership and heed the demands of citizens and citizen organisations to release citizens detained by DSS for exercising their rights to the freedom of peaceful assembly, speech and association and review their cases to prevent continued harassment.

“Nothing can ever wipe out the unimaginable trauma our democracy and civic space witnessed yesterday in the hands of the DSS. The minimum the government of Nigeria can do at this time is to provide restorative measures capable of reassuring the National Assembly and the over 170 million Nigerians who elected them that their rights to freedom of association, speech and assembly is guaranteed.

— End—

About Spaces for Change

Established in May 2011, Spaces for Change (S4C) is a research and advocacy organization working to infuse human rights into social and economic decision-making processes in Nigeria. The organization works to increase the participation of Nigerian youth, women and communities in the development of social and economic policy, and also help public authorities and corporate entities to put a human rights approach at the heart of their decision-making. (www.spacesforchange.org)

About Nigeria Network of NGOs

The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) is the first generic membership body for civil society organizations in Nigeria that facilitates effective advocacy on issues of poverty and other developmental issues. Established in 1992, NNNGO represents over 2,400 organizations ranging from small groups working at the local level, to larger networks working at the national level. Read more at www.nnngo.org.