The European Union (EU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) have launched a new initiative aimed at improving the operational environment and credibility of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria.
The EU CSO-Bridge Project, officially unveiled on Monday in Abuja, is a 36-month programme funded by the EU and implemented by International IDEA. It builds on the gains of the recently concluded EU-funded Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT) Programme.
The project seeks to create a more enabling civic space by addressing regulatory challenges, strengthening CSO capacities, and promoting collaboration among regulators, sub-national actors, and citizens.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Reuben Alba Aguilera, Head of the Governance, Peace, and Migration Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to supporting civil society. He described the initiative as part of ongoing EU efforts to ensure CSOs can effectively contribute to inclusive governance and sustainable national development.
“Civil society is essential for any society that hopes to thrive, and their empowerment ensures that governance is inclusive and accountable,” Aguilera said.
Mr. Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at International IDEA, explained that the project will focus on both external reforms and internal capacity building for CSOs. He highlighted persistent challenges such as duplication of registration processes and inconsistent compliance requirements across government agencies, stressing that harmonisation is a core objective.
The launch also featured the inaugural meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), comprising representatives from government institutions, CSOs, the private sector, and development partners. The PSC will provide oversight and advocacy for reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s civic space.
Senator Anthony Yaro, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, commended the initiative, noting that many CSOs continue to struggle with public distrust and operational barriers. He disclosed that the 10th National Assembly has established a dedicated interface office to maintain continuous engagement with CSOs.
He also applauded the EU’s nearly €4 million (over ₦6 billion) investment in the project, describing it as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s democratic infrastructure.
The EU CSO-Bridge Project is expected to deliver three main outcomes: functioning coordination mechanisms at national and state levels, stronger CSO capacity for compliance and self-regulation, and a harmonised regulatory framework to ease CSO registration and operations.
