…says Lawmakers oversight powers must be exercised not to harass or stifle organisations, but to monitor implementation of laws
AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times reports that the Deputy Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon Chinedu Onah has called on lawmakers to explore state-level legislations that recognise and support community-based organisations, simplify registration procedures, and protect grassroots civic action.
Onah spoke in Awka at the 2025 South-East Regional Conference on Improving Operational Environment for CSO Operations in Nigeria themed “Scaling Policy to Action – Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations at the Subnational Level”
The conference was organized by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening with support from European Union Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa.
The Deputy Speaker urged lawmakers to always view themselves as allies in promoting transparency and not adversaries.
He highlight five key areas of strengthening CSOs’ regulatory framework within the zone and beyond to include enabling legislation at state level as well as dialogue and stakeholder engagements.
Others, according to him were oversight for impact, not intimidation, promotion of legislative accountability and openness as well as championing budgetary and institutional support.
He said, “Lawmakers oversight powers must be exercised not to harass or stifle organisations, but to monitor implementation of laws, ensure resources reach the right beneficiaries, and evaluate performance of government-CSO partnerships.
“Lawmakers should be seen as allies in promoting transparency, not adversaries.
“To strengthen the credibility of our call for CSO accountability, the legislature itself must lead by example. That includes being open to citizen feedback, publishing legislative proceedings, and creating platforms for joint policy reviews with civil society actors.
“We in the South East are known for our resilience, innovation, and community spirit. But these values must now translate into a unified legislative push that protects the civic space while enhancing CSO contributions to development and governance.
“I therefore propose that this conference initiates a South East Legislative-Civil Society Compact—a strategic roadmap where Houses of Assembly across the zone can collaborate with CSO networks to review existing laws, propose reforms, and monitor implementation together.
“In Ebonyi State, we are ready to lead by example. I pledge that our House of Assembly will continue to be a listening legislature, open to new partnerships, and proactive in promoting policies that reflect democratic inclusion and social justice.”
Program Manager, Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe said the 2025 edition would build on last year’s efforts, aimed at finalizing and consolidating the implementation of a harmonised regulatory framework either via the pathway of a policy or law, to eliminate redundant registrations, enhance funding opportunities, and foster inclusive policy development.
“The conference will enunciate the role of key stakeholders, including lawmakers (national and subnational), government MDAs and regulators in translating policy to action to strengthen the regulatory environment for civil society organizations to operate in the region effectively.
“It will also introduce the CSO community to tools to facilitate compliance and establish a regional taskforce for coordination, thereby seeking to create a sustainable environment where CSOs can operate effectively, free from the regulatory constraints highlighted in the 2024 iteration of the Conference.
Oviawe listed objectives of the conference to include giving effect to harmonized regulatory framework aimed at eliminating multiplicity of registration requirements and streamlining CSO operations across South-South states.
“To reflect on how the South-South States have fared in making the operational environment better for CSOs since the 2024 conference.
“To develop a comprehensive action plan with timelines, roles, and responsibilities to implement frameworks, addressing bureaucratic inaccessibility and coordination gaps.
“To establish a regional CSO-regulatory task force to monitor and sustain framework implementation, ensuring consistency and accountability.
“To advance advocacy for legislative reforms, including a potential Court action to clarify Item 32, Part 1 of the Second Schedule, or its relocation to the Concurrent Legislative List.”
Anambra state chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ugochukwu Okeke called on stakeholders to work towards frameworks that protect rights, promote accountability and enable Civil Society Organizations thrive without fear or limitation.
“As a leader within the disability community, I commend this timely and constant effort of the Global Rights in seeking to strengthen regulatory environment for sustainable CSO operations especially in Southeast.
“For me, an inclusive regulatory environment is vital for ensuring that equal opportunity is giving to all, especially organizations of and for persons with disabilities.
“I urge all stakeholders to work towards frameworks that protect rights, promote accountability, and enable CSOs to thrive without fear or limitation.
“Let us build a future where no one is left behind, and where CSOs can truly serve as engines of inclusive development and social justice.”
Executive Director, Catch them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), Nonso Orakwe said the summit was another opportunity for youth-led organizations to appreciate the space they occupy in society, especially in area of accountability and checkmating government activities and societal operations.
“The Conference promotes enabling environment for civil organizations to foster collaboration and strengthen capacity to drive social change.
“We’ve been at the forefront of civil society engagement and we’re glad with the gradual but steady increase in number of youths involved in governance,” he added.
Executive Director for Socal and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Ugochi Ehiahuruike described the conference as a welcome development, urging participants to ensure lessons from the engagement were implemented.
