-Confidence Obayuwana

Local NGOs in Nigeria are playing a very important role in dealing with some of the most critical humanitarian and development crises, such as providing lifesaving support to internally displaced persons, education, healthcare, and human rights. As Nigeria faces ongoing challenges related to protracted conflict in the Northeast, Banditry in the Northwest, climate change, weak governance and weak public service delivery, NGOs have stepped in to address the needs of affected communities, often working directly at the grassroots level. However, if NGOs are going to be more effective in their work, they need to transition from merely delivering services to actively engaging with government bodies and influencing public policy with the aim of achieving long lasting change. In this article, we explore practical strategies that local NGOs can adopt to enhance their engagement with government bodies and influence policy, despite the challenges.

Advocacy is a valuable tool for local NGOs because it allows them to raise awareness about crucial social issues, represent the interests of marginalised people, and advocate for effective policy change. In Nigeria, where poverty, inequality, and governance challenges affect a sizable proportion of the population, the need for NGOs to engage in advocacy is very crucial. Through advocacy, NGOs can ensure that government policies reflect the needs of the people they serve and push for reforms that can improve social outcomes.

At the same time, strong government relations or engagement are essential for local NGOs to build collaborative partnerships. These relationships provide NGOs with access to critical resources, including funding, data, and platforms for decision-making. In turn, government relations help NGOs establish themselves as trusted stakeholders in national conversations, giving them a voice in shaping policies that directly affect their constituencies. However, despite the potential benefits of advocacy and government engagement, local NGOs in Nigeria face significant challenges in both areas.

One of the key challenges local NGOs face is navigating Nigeria’s complex and often bureaucratic government institutions. Many NGOs find it difficult to gain access to key decision-makers, with slow administrative processes hindering their ability to engage effectively. This bureaucratic impediment often frustrates their efforts to influence policy and advocate for change. Additionally, Nigeria’s political landscape is highly dynamic, with frequent shifting of policy priorities also coupled with the federal and state government dynamics. This instability makes it challenging for NGOs to maintain consistent advocacy efforts and build long-term relationships with government stakeholders who tend to change every 4 years and sometimes even less.

Another major challenge is the lack of trust between NGOs and government. In some cases, local NGOs are viewed with suspicion by government officials, who see them as competitors for international donor funding or critics of government inefficiencies. The landscape of NGO engagement in Nigeria is complex, characterized by a history of military governance, corruption, and limited political space for civil society. Since the transition to democracy in 1999, we are beginning to see the rise of democratic authoritarianism and as a result, the capacity of NGOs are not fully utilised as the civic space continues to shrink.

Resource constraints also create substantial impediments to effective advocacy and government engagement. Many local NGOs struggle to continue long-term advocacy due to a lack of funds and personnel. These limits may also impede NGOs’ capacity to maintain regular connection with government officials or participate in government-led initiatives. Finally, there is a misalignment between the aims of local NGOs and the government’s policy agenda. This discrepancy sometimes make it difficult for NGOs to get momentum in their lobbying activities since government officials do not see their issues as relevant or aligning to national interests. Nigeria currently have a National Development Plan 2021-2025 which many NGOs do not know about or align with.

Despite these challenges, local NGOs in Nigeria can adopt a range of strategies to strengthen their advocacy efforts and build more effective government relations. To be effective in their advocacy activities, local NGOs must strengthen their internal capacity to design, execute, and sustain advocacy campaigns. Developing staff and volunteer skills in critical areas such as policy analysis, lobbying, and media engagement can help the organisation navigate the policymaking process. Furthermore, NGOs should prioritise data collecting and research to back up their influencing activities with evidence-based arguments. Policymakers are more inclined to respond to data driven suggestions that have been thoroughly investigated and clearly demonstrate the impact of an NGO’s work.

Secondly, NGOs must present clear, actionable solutions to the issues they are advocating for. This involves drafting well-researched policy briefs and position papers that outline specific recommendations. These documents should be evidence-based and tailored to the interests and priorities of the government, increasing the likelihood that policymakers will take them seriously. Most times, NGOs are known for identifying the problems without providing solutions. You can stand out by also providing solutions to the problems you identify. NGOs in Nigeria are no longer listed as Designated Non Financial Business and Institutions (DNFBI) because an NGO saw the problem, and provided clear actionable alternative solution inline with international best practice which the government embraced.

Collaboration with other NGOs and civil society organizations is also essential for amplifying advocacy efforts. By forming coalitions or joining already existing ones, local NGOs can pool resources, share knowledge, and present a unified voice on key issues. Such collaborations not only increase visibility but also make advocacy campaigns more impactful, catching the attention of government stakeholders.

Furthermore, aligning advocacy efforts with national development priorities is another effective strategy. By demonstrating how their work contributes to broader national goals, as enshrined in the National Development Plan 2021-2025, NGOs can increase their chances of gaining government support.  However, it is important for NGOs to remain non-partisan in their approach, ensuring that their advocacy is seen as serving national interests rather than political gain. This helps in building credibility and trust with various political actors.

In addition to aligning with development priorities, NGOs should seek to build collaborative relationships with government stakeholders. By positioning themselves as partners in development, NGOs can work alongside government to achieve common goals. Regular communication through formal meetings, reports, and informal channels, helps build trust and establish the NGO as a credible partner. Moreover, actively seeking opportunities to participate in government events including public hearings and volunteering to join working groups related to their areas of focus further improves these partnerships. Make it a habit to invite government officials to your events whenever possible. If they don’t attend, follow up by sending them reports of the event and extend another invitation for the next one. Stay persistent—keep sending your letters and reports to government agencies, even if you don’t receive a response. Consistency is key.

To navigate Nigeria’s complex political environment, local NGOs must also develop a keen understanding of the country’s political dynamics. Conducting political mapping can help NGOs identify key power players, assess potential allies, and determine the most effective entry points for advocacy. By understanding who holds influence over specific policy areas, NGOs can target their advocacy efforts more effectively. At times, engaging with a director in a ministry can be more effective than reaching out to the minister. In other cases, connecting with a special assistant or adviser might yield better results. Conducting a political mapping will help you identify the right individuals and strategies to target for more impactful engagements.

Public awareness is another powerful tool for influencing policy, and local NGOs can significantly strengthen their advocacy by engaging with the media and the public. Media coverage can help amplify an NGO’s message, raising awareness about the issues it is advocating for and putting pressure on government officials to act. Developing relationships with journalists and media outlets ensures that the NGO’s work is featured in the press, which in turn increases its visibility and influence. But NGOs must be careful not to always sound antagonist of the government when appearing on the media thus coming off as being against the government. This can put a strain on existing relationship with government officials.

Lastly, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram also provide NGOs with an accessible and cost-effective way to engage the public. The Not to Young Run Campaign was a good example of how social media can be used to effect change. By using these platforms to promote their advocacy campaigns, local NGOs can reach a wider audience and build momentum around specific issues. Organizing public events, rallies, and campaigns can further raise awareness and create opportunities for dialogue between NGOs, government officials, and the public.

The success of local NGOs in advocacy and government relations will ultimately depend on their ability to remain adaptable, build trust with government bodies, and engage constructively with policymakers. Through sustained efforts, local NGOs can play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s policy landscape and advancing the country’s development agenda.

 About the author

Confidence Obayuwana is the Government Liaison Coordinator at Nigeria INGO Forum, where he has played a critical role in advancing the humanitarian and development work of INGOs in Nigeria. With over five years of experience, he has worked on diverse issues, including counterterrorism and human rights, humanitarian access, and policy advocacy to improve the regulatory environment and shrinking space for NGOs in Nigeria. He was part of the core group that conducted the National Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment of the Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in Nigeria.   His work includes facilitating high-level meetings with key government agencies and developing policy frameworks to enhance effective coordination between NGOs and government entities​. He holds a master’s degree in international Affairs and Strategic Studies.