Stakeholders Advocate Self-Regulatory Framework For CSOs In Kogi

Stakeholders at a one-day capacity-building programme organised by the Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) in collaboration with the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI) have advocated the adoption of a self-regulatory framework for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kogi State.

The training, titled “Step-Down Training on Scaling Adaptation of Self-Regulatory Framework for CSOs in Kogi State,” brought together representatives of civil society groups who described the initiative as timely and important for promoting transparency, accountability and improved governance within the non-profit sector.

In his welcome address, Chairman of KONGONET, Hamza Aliyu, urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, noting that there are limited formal platforms dedicated to building capacity on self-regulation within civil society organisations.

According to him, strengthening internal accountability mechanisms remains a more sustainable approach than relying solely on externally imposed regulations.

Speaking on the objectives of the training, Barr. Lilian Okolo said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to strengthen the operations of civil society organisations across Kogi State.

She explained that the training aimed to enhance the capacity of CSOs to adopt and adapt self-regulatory principles that promote accountability, transparency and effectiveness.

Okolo noted that participants were expected to gain a broader understanding of the civil society landscape in Nigeria, including the roles, legal status and operational realities of CSOs.

She added that the sessions would also expose participants to the Nigerian CSO Minimum Standards of Operation, the principles guiding self-regulation, and the Hybrid Self-Regulation Model developed for Nigerian non-profit organisations.

According to her, participants were encouraged to develop practical action plans that would support the implementation and expansion of the framework within their respective organisations.

She stressed that self-regulation should be viewed as a demonstration of institutional integrity and commitment to good governance rather than an administrative burden.

Okolo expressed confidence that wider adoption of the framework would improve the credibility, sustainability and overall impact of civil society organisations in Kogi State.

More than 20 civil society organisations participated in the one-day training programme.