EU, Others Launch Special Project To Strengthen Civil Societies

The European Union (EU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has launched the CSO Strengthening Bridge (EU CSO-Bridge) Project to enhance the credibility of civil society organisations (CSOs), improve regulatory and operational environment in Nigeria.

Funded by the EU and implemented by International IDEA, the project will run for 36 months and builds on the gains of the recently concluded EU-funded Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT) Programme.

It was launched on Monday in Abuja to create the enabling environment for CSOs to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda, particularly in governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

At the launch, head of the Governance, Peace, and Migration Section at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Reuben Alba Aguilera, reaffirmed the EU’s longstanding commitment to supporting Nigeria’s civil society.

He described the project as a continuation of the EU’s efforts to build a sustainable civic space where CSOs can effectively contribute to democracy and national development.
According to him, “civil society is essential for any society that hopes to thrive, and their empowerment ensures that governance is inclusive and accountable.”

On his part, head of programme at International, Danladi Plang, said the project is about connecting key stakeholders, regulators, CSOs, sub-national actors, and citizens in a collaborative framework aimed at reform and mutual accountability.

He stressed that beyond improving the external regulatory landscape, there is also a strong emphasis on building the internal capacities of CSOs, including their coordination, transparency, and self-regulation.

At the event, Senator Anthony Yaro, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, emphasised the importance of improving the integrity and public perception of CSOs.

He said many CSOs face societal distrust and operational difficulties, which the new initiative seeks to address by providing structural and legislative support.