…Says Civil Society should not be controlled or funded by foreign agents
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), a locally funded organization, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take the opportunity presented by the shutdown of USAID operations to reorganize and integrate Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) into the country’s governance framework.
According to PeacePro, this move would ensure continuity in critical development programmes while strengthening national ownership of the civil society sector.
In a statement issued by PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the organization emphasized the crucial role NGOs play in delivering humanitarian aid, social development, and grassroots initiatives.
With USAID’s exit, PeacePro stressed that the federal government now has the best opportunity to close the gap created by foreign control over Nigeria’s civil society space.
The organization emphasized that a structured collaboration between the government and local NGOs is essential to prevent disruptions in key sectors such as health, education, and economic empowerment.
“The exit of USAID presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While it leaves a significant gap in funding and technical support, it also compels Nigeria to become more self-reliant in driving development. The government must act swiftly by recognizing and empowering local NGOs as key partners in nation-building,” the statement read.
Additionally, Hamzat noted that this moment presented a critical opportunity for the Nigerian government to assume full control of the civil society sector, reducing foreign influence over local organizations.
“While acknowledging the potential benefits of international partnerships, PeacePro emphasized that Nigerian NGOs should not be dictated to by foreign governments and agencies.
“For too long, local organizations have been shaped by the priorities of foreign donors rather than the needs of Nigerian communities. This is a chance for the government to strengthen indigenous NGOs, ensuring that civil society remains accountable to the people it serves rather than external interests,” PeacePro stated.
As a locally funded organization, PeacePro urged policymakers to develop a robust strategy for NGO-government collaboration, ensuring sustainable development and national resilience amid external funding uncertainties.
