Group Trains NGOs On Self-Regulation, Good Governance In Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State NGO Network (NANGONET), in collaboration with the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI), has trained non-governmental organisations in the state on self-regulation, ethics, and good governance.

Speaking at the event in Lafia, the Executive Director of Hope Rising for the Less Privileged and Vulnerable Foundation and Treasurer of NANGONET, Aisha Eyibo, said the programme was designed to help organisations better understand their regulatory obligations.

She said the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of NGOs and community-based organisations on ethics, accountability, and compliance within the Nigerian operating environment.

Eyibo noted that the compliance areas covered included CAC registration, state registration, VAT filing, and submission of annual returns.

“We want the government to partner with us as we impact the less privileged and support the government in reaching people in our communities,” she said.

“The goal is for CBOs to know what is expected of them, I’m instead of waiting for government to chase them before they do the right thing.”

She also called on the Nasarawa State Government to develop a strategic action plan under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), urging Governor Abdullahi Sule to constitute a committee to drive the process.

Also speaking, Mr Abdullazeez Bako of the Centre for Citizens’ Rights said the training was aimed at promoting self-regulation among NGOs rather than external control.

“Our purpose of being here today is to do a step-down training for other NGOs in Nasarawa State on self-regulation, which entails transparency, accountability, and others,” he said.

He recalled that a 2024 attempt by government to regulate NGOs through legislation was resisted by civil society groups, insisting that NGOs should regulate themselves.

Mr Daniel Bature, a lead facilitator and representative of Advance Youth and Community Initiative, stressed that self-regulation was essential for maintaining public trust.

He advised organisations to obtain proper legal registration and prioritise credibility as key components of effective self-regulation.