The European Union (EU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) on Wednesday launched the CSO Strengthening Bridge (EU CSO-Bridge) Project in Abuja.
The initiative is designed to enhance the credibility of civil society organisations (CSOs) and improve the regulatory and operational environment for CSO work in Nigeria.
Funded by the EU and implemented by International IDEA, the project will run for 36 months and builds on the gains of the recently concluded EU-funded Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT) Programme. It aims to create a more enabling environment for CSOs to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda, particularly in governance, accountability, and inclusive development.
Speaking at the launch, Head of the Governance, Peace, and Migration Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Reuben Aguilera, highlighted the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s civic space.
“Civil society organisations are critical to Nigeria’s democratic journey” Aguilera said. “Through the EU CSO-Bridge Project, we are not only strengthening their ability to operate effectively but also fostering a regulatory environment where their contributions to national development can be sustained and impactful”.
Also, Head of Programme, International Institute for Democracy & Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Danladi Plang, emphasised the importance of the initiative for CSOs across the country:
He said: “This project is about building bridges between regulators and CSOs, between national and sub-national actors, and between citizens and institutions. It provides a platform for partnership, accountability, and reforms that will allow CSOs to play their role as vital actors in Nigeria’s democracy and development.”
He said the project aims to establish effective coordination mechanisms, strengthen CSO capacity for compliance and accountability, and enhance regulatory frameworks to ensure transparent and harmonized CSO operations in Nigeria.
As part of the launch, the inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was convened. The PSC brings together representatives of key government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. The committee will play a crucial role in providing oversight, strategic direction, and guidance to the project team while also supporting advocacy efforts to promote reforms in the CSO regulatory environment.
In his address, the Senator representing Gombe South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Anthony Yaro, assured stakeholders that both the Executive and the Legislature remain committed to providing the enabling environment for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to thrive.
He explained that CSOs play a vital role in deepening democracy, promoting accountability, and amplifying the voices of citizens, especially at the grassroots level. According to him, no government can succeed in isolation, and collaboration with civil society is essential in driving sustainable development.
The Senator said the Legislature has already begun to put in place frameworks that encourage the active participation of CSOs in national discourse and decision-making, adding that laws and policies will be tailored not only to guarantee the independence of CSOs but also to strengthen their institutional capacity.
He lauded the European Union (EU) for its consistent support of CSOs, noting that it has been instrumental in strengthening democratic governance, promoting human rights, and empowering local communities
