International

EU Expresses Concern Over CSOs Low Compliance To Extant Law

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EU Expresses Concern Over CSOs Low Compliance To Extant Law

By Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over the low compliance of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on extant laws guiding the regulations of the system at the state and local levels in Nigeria.

The concern was expressed on Monday under its Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) programme.

The Manager, Agent for Citizen Driven Transformation programme of the European Union(EU), Edem Udeokong made this known at a “Regulatory Framework Compliance Training for State Networks and CDPs” in Abuja.

Udeokong noted that ignorance as a result of lack of knowledge as well as the reasons of implementation which is a major issue in Nigeria has been a major factor for low compliance.

He said: “This is sometimes due to lack of knowledge and unwillingness to comply, in Nigeria the issue of compliance is inept in the system.

“We are not just proactive in complying with the law as we do not see the need to comply and also for so long the laws are not enforced.

Udeokong, while disclosing that a survey In 2021 with some civil society revealed the extent to the issues relating to non compliance by CSOs, said this is happening across board.

He said the training is at the eleventh round to sensitize organisations “as the laws and regulations are there already but the problem is enforcement, because if the laws are enforced the organisation may suffer penalties like being shutdown, or the promoters thrown into jail.

He lamented that: “Ignorance is one of the major reasons for non compliance, although some are aware but due to negligence and for some the cost to get an audited account is something that discourages them.

Udeokong, in proffering solutions to mitigate the issue, said “we train them and produced a simplified version of the law, to create a sensitization on how to do things also the regulators need to send out more information and make things cheaper and simpler for the people.”

The Assistant Director, Office of the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Tolulope Sonaike, on his part said, the issue is across board and not specific to CSOs but particularly so with the CSO.

According to Sonaike, the number of CSO who are registered with relations to the annual report that are filed is really at a low compliance level.

He said: “Compliance means being up to date. Principally this entails annual returns report to the CAC, keeping them in the know if an organisation is still in business.

“This short coming is attributed to several factors. Firstly most of these organizations do not understand their statutory obligations. This is because what most promoters are concerned about is let me get the business started.

“Again, they do not engage the services of consultants and experts to advice them.There is really a low understanding of what it will take after registration to remain in business effectively, not just in the business space making money but to be up to date with regulators.

“The reasons may also be that they do not even know they should be filing those returns.Some of them have changed structures without notifying the CAC and when that happens they have a duty under the law to do so.

“If they are changes in the particulars of directors and/or secretary, if you alter your constitutions or change your trustees all of these have to be notified to the commission but a lot of organisations do not know this.

Sonaike added that “the issue of low compliance may be that there is a low level of knowledge in this regard and it is important that they know this because this may give rise to striking off the company as this is a ground for such penalty.

“The commission has a search portal where anyone can go look up information to determine the status of a company as active or inactive. Active in this context means an organisation is up to date with annual returns filing.

“If you fail to disclose, the commission can also indicate the organisations status as inactive so there are consequences, which might not be good for an organisation.”

International

Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation

Published

2 weeks ago

May 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and military-technical cooperation with Nigeria as part of efforts to promote peace, sovereignty and stability across the African continent.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Nigerian Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa and other officials, a Russian envoy described Nigeria as a strategic and promising partner, noting its position as the most populous country in Africa and a key regional player.

“We consider the Federal Republic of Nigeria a promising partner on the African continent. You are the largest country, and we support the efforts of the Nigerian authorities to strengthen national armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and ensure regional security,” the envoy said.

He expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s willingness to pursue constructive cooperation with Russia in the areas of military and defence technology.

“We positively assess your commitment to fruitful cooperation with our country in military and military-technical spheres,” he added.

The Russian official called for an open discussion on current defence priorities, pledging continued support to Nigeria and other African partners.

In his response, Gen Musa, appreciated them for their support and commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and for inviting him and his for the 80th victory parade.

He also appreciated them for the donation of weapons and drones to boost the campaign against terrorism within Nigeria and the Sahel Region

“Today, we discuss the most relevant issues of cooperation between our defence ministries. We value our friendship with Russia and deeply appreciate all the assistance Russia has provided assistance that has often been critical for many countries,” he said.

He praised Russia’s reliability and action-oriented diplomacy, saying, “You don’t just make promises, you fulfil them. Everyone knows Russia works for the good of peace and stability.”said General Musa.

The meeting, attended by top defence officials from both countries, is expected to yield agreements that will boost training, logistics, arms supply and intelligence-sharing in the fight against terrorism.

Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation

International

Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor

Published

3 weeks ago

May 8, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.

“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.

“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”

Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor

International

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

Published

1 month ago

April 21, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.

The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.

The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.

“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”

The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.

“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis