Senate Plans Forum On Non-governmental Organisations’ Accountability

The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is set to convene a National Stakeholders’ Forum to address persistent issues surrounding NGO accountability, transparency, and coordination in Nigeria.

The initiative, championed by the committee’s chairman, Senator Aniekan Bassey, is expected to bring together government agencies, development partners, civil society leaders, security institutions and international organisations.

Bassey said forum become necessary following concerns about irregular operations, financial opacity and weak coordination among thousands of NGOs across the country. While acknowledging the impact of credible NGOs, he said the sector had also seen a rise in organisations whose activities raise red flags on funding, documentation, field operations and compliance with national regulations.

He said the proposed forum would create a platform for open dialogue, policy review and the development of a unified framework for NGO regulation—one that protects genuine organisations while ensuring public trust and national security.

The forum will also address key issues such as financial accountability, reporting standards, collaboration with security agencies, duplication of humanitarian efforts, community engagement practices, and long-term impact measurement.

It will also provide an avenue for NGOs to present their challenges directly to lawmakers and regulators.

Senator Bassey said the committee’s priority is to strengthen Nigeria’s humanitarian landscape, not to restrict civil society activity, adding that when NGOs operate transparently, collaborate effectively, and adhere to global standards, the nation benefits through improved service delivery and enhanced international credibility.