Insights from the 2025 Southwest Regional Conference on Civic Space Strengthening
The President of our organization, Initiative for Peace and Comfort, Prof. Comfort Onifade attended the South-West Regional Conference Organized by Global Rights and the Community of Practice (CoP) on Civic Space Strengthening and she also met our board secretary Dr. Olaifa at the event .
The conference organized to foster strategic partnerships and improve regulatory environments for operations in Nigeria was held at Ibadan on Thursday 21st August, 2025 focussed on improving the regulatory environment for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria which is crucial for promoting transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
Challenges faced by Civil Society Organizationd and Opportunities are not limited to:
-Over-regulation: The CSO sector in Nigeria is already over-regulated, which can stifle innovation and creativity.
Public Perception: Improving public perception of CSOs is essential for building trust and promoting collaboration.
Key Areas highlighted for Improvement are:
Streamlining Registration Processes: Simplifying registration procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that will help CSOs operate more efficiently.
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Implementing self-regulation initiatives, such as codes of conduct and certification programs, can promote transparency and accountability within the CSO sector.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships: Building partnerships between CSOs, government agencies, and private sector organizations can help leverage resources and expertise.
Capacity Building: Providing training and capacity-building programs for CSOs can enhance their ability to operate effectively and sustainably.