By Sufyan Lawal Kabo
sefjamil3@gmail.com
THE NEED FOR PROPER REGULATION OF NGO ACTIVITIES
The establishment of the NGO Profiling Committee by the Kano State Government is a necessary step towards ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the state’s developmental priorities.
Across the world, governments implement mechanisms to regulate NGOs, not to suppress their activities, but to ensure that their operations align with national security, economic interests, and social development goals.
In Nigeria, the role of NGOs in humanitarian assistance, education, health, and social welfare is undeniable. However, cases of mismanagement, foreign influence, and activities that contradict national interests necessitate oversight.
The Kano State Government’s decision to profile NGOs will help ensure that they operate ethically, are properly funded, and adhere to Nigerian laws and regulations.
NGO REGULATION IS A GLOBAL PRACTICE
Kano State’s move to regulate NGOs is not unprecedented, in fact, regulatory oversight of NGOs is a global and national best practice aimed at ensuring organizations contribute positively to development while preventing financial mismanagement and illegal activities. Lagos and Rivers state have similar NGO regulatory agencies.
THE ROLE OF THE KANO STATE NGO PROFILING COMMITTEE
The newly established NGO Profiling Committee in Kano State has a crucial mandate that includes:
• Registering and profiling all NGOs and donor organizations operating in the state.
• Investigating their sources of funding to ensure compliance with Nigerian financial regulations.
• Assessing their intervention areas to align with the state’s development goals.
• Recommending a regulatory framework that ensures NGOs operate transparently and ethically.
This initiative is necessary given the increasing concerns about the unregulated activities of certain NGOs, some of which may be used as fronts for illicit financial activities or fail to deliver tangible development outcomes despite receiving substantial funding.
UNWARRANTED ATTACKS ON COMMISSIONER IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI WAIYA
The recent press conference by the League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State (LCSOK) titled “Urging the Kano State Government (KNSG) to Rescind Establishment of NGOs Profiling Committee” appears to focus less on the profiling committee itself and more on a targeted attack against Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.
It is crucial to separate genuine concerns about NGO regulation from personal vendettas. Many of the individuals behind the attacks on Waiya are driven by envy. They have forgotten that Waiya is an indigene of Kano with more tendencies and prospects to be appointed by the Kano State Government than most of the complainants.
Additionally, many NGO members in Kano automatically perceive anyone who relates to the government as corrupt, which is an unhealthy and counterproductive stance.
Commissioner Waiya has an impeccable record of service in civil society and governance. His qualifications and professional experiences speak volumes about his commitment to transparency and development:
• Leadership & Advocacy: As the Executive Director of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), Waiya has been at the forefront of democracy promotion, anti-corruption initiatives, and peacebuilding efforts.
• Academic Excellence: He holds an LLB from Usmanu Danfodio University, a Master’s in Public International Law, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Relations.
• Professional Experience: Waiya has served in various capacities, including as Coordinator of the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation, and has led multiple election observation missions.
• Community Engagement: His involvement in anti-drug abuse campaigns and child protection initiatives highlights his commitment to social development.
Attacking Commissioner Waiya’s credibility distracts from the substantive discussion about NGO accountability. Personal attacks only serve to weaken constructive dialogue, which is essential for democratic governance.
THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT
NGO advocates cannot bring change by merely condemning government policies. Instead, they should engage in logical discussions, build partnerships with the government, and push for reforms through collaboration.
The government should be the number one partner of civil society groups because policymakers drive change. Unfortunately, many Kano civil society members have developed an extreme stance, condemning anyone who associates with the government or politicians and automatically branding them as corrupt.
Activism should be seen as a pathway to leadership. Instead of merely calling for change without taking action, activists should immerse themselves in governance and lead by example.
The history of great activists has shown this transformation—figures such as Mao of China, Nelson Mandela, Malam Aminu Kano, Mahatma Gandhi, and, closer to home, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole have successfully transitioned from advocacy to governance, demonstrating the impact of true leadership.
A CALL FOR CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION
The Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring that NGOs operate transparently and in alignment with its developmental goals. The NGO Profiling Committee is not an attempt to stifle civil society but rather a means to enhance accountability. The LCSOK should engage in constructive discussions with the government rather than resort to unfounded accusations and personal attacks.
A CALL TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOV ABBA KABIR YUSUF
Your Excellency, we urge you to recognize that the recent criticisms against Commissioner Waiya are part of a diversionary tactic to undermine the crucial work of the NGO Profiling Committee. His track record in civil society and governance is commendable. We request your continued support for the committee’s work in promoting transparency and accountability in Kano State’s NGO sector.
CONCLUSION
Regulating NGOs is a global best practice aimed at ensuring these organizations contribute positively to national development while preventing financial mismanagement and illegal activities.
The NGO Profiling Committee in Kano State is a step in the right direction and should be embraced by all stakeholders committed to good governance. Rather than opposing the committee’s formation, civil society organizations should collaborate with the government to enhance transparency and effectiveness in the NGO sector.
Constructive engagement, not personal attacks, is the key to meaningful progress.
With collective effort, we can build a Kano State where government and civil society work together for the common good, ensuring that every NGO operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability.