National News
Self-Regulatory Framework For CSOs, Out in April
Self-Regulatory Framework For CSOs, Out in April
By: Michael Mike
Civil Society Organisations (CSO) operating in Nigeria has said a self-regulatory framework that would ensure that the sector executes its mandate in a transparent and efficient manner would be ready by April.
This was disclosed on Wednesday at the meeting of the General Assembly(GA) National Technical Committee (NTC) and Advisory Council on CSO Self-regulation in Nigeria organised by the British Council in Abuja.
The NTC, GA and Advisory Council on CSO Self-Regulation are co-facilitated by the European Union Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT) Programme and the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Programme.
Speaking at the event, Harry Udoh, Chairman, NTC on Civil Society Self-regulation, explained that the decision to develop a framework is informed by the need to build the eroding public trust on the civil society ecosystem.
He expressed concern that critical stakeholders especially donors and the Nigerian government have scored CSOs performance low and the trust they have in the sector as well as public trust is eroding.
The Chairman also disclosed that there is poor accountability in the management of funds and execution of project, and interventions in the sector.
He noted that these issues spurred attempts by the National Assembly to regulate the space, insisting that the method adopted by the lawmakers is however constricting the civil space, hence the need to develop a self-regulatory model that will ensure that CSOs have the enabling environment to operate while also ensuring that they are responsible and accountable in delivering their mandate.
He said: “Sometime in 2020, the EU identified state networks across the country and the discussions began early 2021 to build legitimacy on what we need to do and rebuild eroding public trust. Critical stakeholders like development partners and even government feel that we have not done well. There has been several attempts by the National assembly to regulate the sector, but they have come at it from an uninformed position that seems to restrict the space for civil society to operate.
“So we thought that for us to respond to the fears that critical stakeholders have we need to ensure that we find ways to hold our self to some basic minimal standards of operations and ensure we also build the public trust needed, to give ourselves the legitimacy we need to continue to operate. Its the need to self preserve and also to build the eroding public trust in the civil society ecosystem,
“We have gone round the country meeting with critical stakeholders, development partners and civil society organisations. We have identified various models of self regulation and so we are meeting today to ratify the findings that we have gotten and thereafter we go ahead and validate.
We will start the validation immediately and we are hoping that the document will be ready before the end of April for adoption.”
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He said the process of developing the framework is almost over and by the ending of April, the document would be ready.
Policy and Governance Advisor at the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Programme. Abdusalam Bahamas, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Party, Lydia Odeh, added that the civil society space is expanding and more resources are available in the sector, which reiterates the need to self-regulate.
Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs, Oluseyi Oyebisi, said the self-regulatory framework will ensure that CSOs audit accounts and send to regulatory agencies in the country. He said: “To curb corrupt practices, We are setting minimum standard on how we utilise funds and also create a feedback system to explain how we have used the funds.”
Oyebisi however disclosed that one challenge non-profit organisation face in complying with other regulations in the country is the ambiguity of some Nigerian laws. “We need some clarity in some aspects of the law, make it easy to ensure compliance,” he said.
In his remarks, the Component 2 Manager Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT), Idem Udoekong said the EU-funded programme is supporting CSOs to develop a regulatory framework that would create a more enabling environment. He noted that regulatory framework can enable or disenable the civil society sector.
He said: “We are also working with government regulators such as CAC, FIRS, NASS, among others. It’s important to work with government for reforms.”
Self-Regulatory Framework For CSOs, Out in April
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
Nigeria–UK Investment Surge to Generate Jobs, Deepen Economic Ties
By: Michael Mike
A new wave of multi-million-pound investments by Nigerian and British firms is set to create hundreds of jobs in both countries, reinforcing growing economic ties and positioning Nigeria as an emerging driver of global innovation and capital.
The investment push comes ahead of the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, where both nations are expected to consolidate gains under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), a framework aimed at boosting cooperation across key sectors.
At the centre of the development is an aggressive expansion by Nigerian banks and fintech companies into the UK market, alongside renewed commitments by British firms to scale operations in Nigeria.
In a major boost to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, Twinings Ovaltine has unveiled a £24 million production facility in Lagos—its first on the African continent. The plant is projected to create over 100 direct jobs while strengthening export capacity across West Africa.
Nigeria’s financial institutions are also increasing their global footprint. Zenith Bank has launched a new branch in Manchester, with plans to generate dozens of jobs and deepen trade links between Africa and the UK. The bank is also considering a future listing on the London Stock Exchange as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
Likewise, Fidelity Bank is expanding its UK presence following the rebranding of Union Bank UK to FidBank UK, with plans to significantly grow its workforce and capital base. Other players such as FCMB are leveraging the UK as a strategic hub to roll out cross-border payment platforms aimed at facilitating trade between Africa and the global market.
The fintech sector is driving a substantial share of the new investments. LemFi has committed £100 million over five years, designating London as its global headquarters, while Moniepoint plans to expand its UK workforce to 100 employees by 2026. Digital bank Kuda Bank is also scaling up its UK operations as it eyes broader international growth.
Beyond finance and technology, the creative industry is emerging as another pillar of collaboration. EbonyLife is set to establish EbonyLife Place London, a move expected to create new jobs while amplifying African storytelling on a global stage.
Officials say the growing investment flows highlight increasing confidence in both economies. UK authorities point to the country’s stable regulatory environment and access to global capital, while Nigeria’s expanding digital and creative sectors continue to attract international interest.
Education and skills development are also receiving attention, with new partnerships between institutions such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos focusing on cutting-edge fields including artificial intelligence, digital technology, and healthcare innovation.
With bilateral trade now estimated at £8.1 billion annually, analysts say the latest round of investments signals a shift in UK–Nigeria relations—from traditional trade to a more dynamic partnership driven by innovation, talent, and shared economic ambition.
The coming days are expected to yield further announcements as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities capable of delivering long-term growth and job creation for their citizens.
Nigeria–UK Investment Surge to Generate Jobs, Deepen Economic Ties
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