The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to working alongside Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), emphasizing the importance of regulating their activities.
Chairman of the House Committee on CSOs and Development Matters, Rep. Victor Obuzor (PDP-Rivers), affirmed this stance during a meeting with CSOs and development partners in Abuja.
He clarified that the recent bill aimed at regulating NGO activities was still in its early stages, having only undergone the first reading. Obuzor assured stakeholders that the bill would undergo further consultation and scrutiny, as it was temporarily stepped down by the Speaker for additional input.
Addressing concerns that the bill signaled hostility towards CSOs, Obuzor emphasized that the House was not at war with these organizations.
“We are not at war with CSOs. What they do for nation-building cannot be overlooked, we are their friends and we have the same objectives.
Obuzor also acknowledged past legislative efforts aimed at supporting CSOs, including the enactment of bills such as humanitarian law and the Persons with Disabilities Act. However, he noted that implementation had been lacking, prompting the House to consolidate these efforts and ensure practical enforcement.
While advocating for a more inclusive approach in the formulation of the regulation bill, Obuzor emphasized the necessity of oversight to distinguish genuine CSOs from opportunistic entities seeking financial gain.
“We will encourage engagement and collaboration, and going forward, we will chart a way forward to address all the problems we are having now,”
He called for increased accountability and transparency from both lawmakers and CSOs, emphasizing their mutual responsibility in the process of nation-building.
