CSOs Urge Akwa Ibom Assembly To Fast-Track Harmonisation Bill
Civil Society Groups Intensify Push for Legislative Reform
CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) and governance stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have called on the State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Civil Society Organisations Harmonisation Bill, describing the proposed legislation as a landmark reform capable of strengthening civic participation, promoting transparency and eliminating multiple registration requirements for non-governmental organisations.
The appeal was made during a town hall meeting and media briefing organised by the Community of Practice (CoP) on Civic Space Strengthening with support from Global Rights in Uyo.
Participants argued that the proposed law would establish a unified and transparent framework for the registration and regulation of civil society organisations, replacing what they described as a fragmented system that imposes duplicate registration processes and multiple levies on NGOs operating in the state.
Stakeholders Advocate Single Registration Framework
The stakeholders unanimously endorsed the creation of a single Civil Society Organisation Registry under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as the sole registration point for all CSOs in Akwa Ibom.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the proposed registry should eliminate parallel registration systems operated by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), thereby reducing administrative bottlenecks and unnecessary financial burdens on civil society groups.
Participants maintained that harmonising the registration process would improve operational efficiency while fostering a more enabling environment for civic organisations to contribute to governance and community development.
Digital Registration Seen as Anti-Corruption Tool
Stakeholders also expressed strong support for the bill’s proposed digital registration and document management platform, describing it as a major step toward improving accountability and reducing opportunities for corruption.
They argued that digitising registration processes would minimise administrative discretion, speed up service delivery and protect organisations from extortion and unnecessary delays. They further urged that the online system fully complies with Nigeria’s Digital Privacy Act to safeguard personal data and enhance transparency.
Calls for Independent Oversight and Sustained Advocacy
Beyond the registration framework, participants advocated measures to shield the proposed CSO registry from political interference. They recommended that civil society organisations should independently nominate three of the five members of the governing board, with all members enjoying equal voting rights.
They also proposed that members of the appeal board possess at least ten years of direct civil society experience to ensure credibility and public confidence.
Although the European Union-funded project supporting the initiative officially concludes on 13th July, stakeholders pledged to continue advocating for the bill until it is passed. They also urged the media to sustain public awareness campaigns and encourage lawmakers to prioritise legislation that would strengthen civic space, enhance accountability and promote participatory governance in Akwa Ibom State.
