An alliance of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) under the Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF) has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s challenging regulatory environment, which has hindered their ability to deliver humanitarian and development aid to underprivileged populations and those affected by conflict in the North-East and other regions,leadership reports.
The INGOs highlighted several bureaucratic obstacles they face, including delays in renewing host country agreements, visa restrictions, multiple taxation at federal and state levels, and resource constraints.
NIF director, Lynn van Beek, emphasized the importance of creating a platform for meaningful dialogue between INGOs and government authorities, especially in light of recent regulatory challenges. She made these remarks at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s One Day Interactive Forum with the INGO Community and Other Stakeholders in Abuja.
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“The dynamic and evolving regulatory environment presents significant bureaucratic and administrative impediments to our operations. This event is an opportunity to address these challenges directly, ensuring we can continue our work. I am confident that today’s discussions will strengthen our partnership, deepen our understanding of the regulatory environment, and provide a clear roadmap for addressing these issues,” Beek stated.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, recognized the NGOs as valuable developmental partners and urged them to adhere to established rules of engagement while striving for greater collaboration and innovation to amplify their impact. He acknowledged the significant role of NGOs in complementing government efforts by delivering essential services and support to vulnerable populations, thus helping to build stronger and more resilient communities.
Additionally, the chairman of the House Committee on CSOs and Development Matters, Victor Obuzo, announced that lawmakers are developing an application called the “Development Partnership System.” This app aims to serve as a central information hub for the activities and operations of all NGOs in Nigeria, providing a single dashboard for monitoring their operations. Obuzo, however, did not provide further details about the app’s capabilities.
