News
EU-ACT, British Council Call for Govt, CSOs Collaboration to Create Enabling Laws and Increase Compliance
EU-ACT, British Council Call for Govt, CSOs Collaboration to Create Enabling Laws and Increase Compliance
By: Michael Mike
The European Union and the British Council have urged Civil Society organisations in Nigeria to collaborate with the government in mapping out an enabling environment for the sector.
The National Programme Manager, Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) Programme, Damilare Babalola said the European Union and the British Council through the ACT programme aim to facilitate the relationship between government, CSOs, and regulatory agencies to promote mutual understanding, enabling environment and sustainable development programmes across the country
The European Union-funded ACT Programme was inaugurated in Nigeria on September 24, 2019, to contribute to inclusive, effective, responsible, and gender-responsive development in the country.
Babalola said this on Thursday in Abuja during a knowledge share fair with the theme: “ Nigerian CSOs Translating Knowledge to Capacity and Impact.”
While lamenting the gap in the nongovernmental organizations, NGOs, he said: “There are misconceptions that civil organisations are not regulated but the fact is that they are well regulated but there are issues around compliance but ACT seeks to promote compliance “
He also explained that: “We also notice weak capacity in some CSOs. Civil society is part of the mechanism used to drive sustainable development globally. They are involved in policy advocacy and policy engagement at different levels hence we need them to have a strengthened capacity. They need to put the internal governance in place, HR policies, account policy to aid their functionalities.”
He said the government needs to understand the space before setting laws and regulations.
“Regulatory agencies should come out and sensitize civil society organizations on the need for regulations. The FIRS should come out and enlighten CSOs more about the taxes and the consequences of not complying. PENCOM should enlighten actors in CSOs the government shouldn’t make laws on assumption,” he noted.
In his remarks, Executive Director, of Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Oyebisi Oluseyi said CSOs are interested in regulations that enable smooth operations but kick against those that shrink civic space and stand against them performing social responsibilities to the communities they are meant to reach
He said: “We don’t want laws that will not allow us to do our work effectively. There’s a myth that nonprofit organizations are not regulated, but experience from what we have done showed that there are 54 existing laws that guide our operations.
We don’t want a law that will not allow us to help the common man. If government policy is not working and we spark up, we don’t want a situation where the law will be used to arrest us. We also want to carry out projects in communities without government shrinking resources meant for community development projects.”
Senior Director for Advocacy, Centre for Civilians in Conflict, The Hague, Netherlands Udo Ilo,, said CSOs must focus on sustainable programs, in line with the government policies, and will impact the Nigerian community.
He emphasized the need for CSOs to strengthen internal governance and control for accountability, public confidence, and trust. He also urged Civil societies to engage with the government for more understanding.
While commending the European Union and the British Council for the ACT Program, Mina Ogbanga, chief operations officer, of Rivers Network of NGOs said Regulatory agencies should make policies easy for compliance and not make processes unnecessarily cumbersome especially when it comes to registration.
EU-ACT, British Council Call for Govt, CSOs Collaboration to Create Enabling Laws and Increase Compliance
Shooting Incident Linked to VIP Convoy Claims Life in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
A shooting incident involving a VIP convoy has left one person dead and several others injured along the Bwari-Dutse Road on the evening of May 5, 2025.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the shooting occurred shortly after a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a Daf Trailer Truck, which had rammed into five tricycles.
According to eyewitnesses, a VIP convoy was passing through the traffic gridlock caused by the accident when personnel from the convoy began firing sporadically into the air, seemingly to clear the way.
During the chaotic exchange of gunfire, one stray bullet struck Timothy John, a passerby from Dutse Baupma, in the chest. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The shooting incident has raised serious concerns about the actions of the VIP convoy personnel, who have yet to be identified. It is unclear whether the gunfire was intentional or the result of reckless behavior while attempting to manage the traffic situation.
The motor accident itself occurred at about 6:50 p.m. when a Daf Trailer Truck, having failed its brakes, collided with several tricycles. Eight individuals were injured in the crash and were taken to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment. Two victims succumbed to their injuries. However, the gunfire from the VIP convoy has now taken center stage, overshadowing the initial accident.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into both the shooting and the crash. The body of the deceased passerby, Timothy John, has been recovered and taken to Kubwa General Hospital, where an autopsy will be performed.
The shooting has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the level of security protocol and the actions of those involved in the convoy.
The investigation is ongoing.
Shooting Incident Linked to VIP Convoy Claims Life in Abuja
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent banditry attack occurred in Keta town, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State on April 6, 2025, leaving one vigilante member dead and several vehicles destroyed. The attack was carried out by a large group of armed bandits, allegedly led by the notorious bandit kingpin “Ado Alero.”
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama they the bandits, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, stormed the town around 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, they opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of one vigilante member who attempted to resist the attack.
In addition to the loss of life, the bandits set fire to nine golf motor vehicles parked in the town, causing significant damage.
The assailants withdrew from the area after encountering strong resistance, during which one of the bandits was reportedly shot and killed.
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
Military
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A team from Operation Fansar Yamma (OPFY), alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CPG), came under heavy gunfire on April 6, 2025, as they responded to a distress call along the Doka-Agama Lafia Road in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The military personnel and CPG members were ambushed by unknown armed bandits, resulting in a fierce gun battle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that two armed bandits were shot dead during the engagement.
However, three military personnel and one CPG member sustained gunshot injuries. The injured victims were swiftly evacuated to the General Hospital Tsafe for medical treatment.
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
NNPCL Appointments: Ahmadu Musa Kida, Sahara Reporters, and Journalism Without Ethics
Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties As VP Shettima Receives Crown Princess Victoria
Shooting Incident Linked to VIP Convoy Claims Life in Abuja
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