The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has praised contributions made by Civil Society Organisations CSOs, and Business Membership Organisations BMOs, to Nigeria’s democracy and economic development.
Abbas who stated this at the 3rd National Organisational Development Summit in Abuja, noted that while civil society organisations strengthen the democratic fabric of the country, business membership organisations are drivers of economic growth and engines of innovation.
The summit had the theme: Driving Change and Innovation for Organisational Resilience and Performance for Nigerian CSOs and BMOs. Represented by the House Committee Chairman on non-governmental organisations, Hon. Victor Obuzor, the Speaker said the civil groups have continued to provide a voice for the voiceless in Nigeria.
“This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the vital role of civil society organisations and business management organisations as architects of positive change, advocates for inclusive growth, and voices for the voiceless in our society. Civil society organisations serve as the light bulb of our democracy, acting as crucial bridges between the government and the people”.
They are essential in fostering citizen participation, promoting human rights, and advancing social justice by amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, monitoring government performances, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Civil society organisations strengthen the democratic fabric of our nation. BMOs are drivers of economic growth and engines of innovation.
According to him, “As engines of innovation, they foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development by encouraging collaborative partnerships among businesses, governments, and communities, providing capacity building and technical assistance to small and medium enterprises, advocating for marginalised groups, and empowering women and youths to participate”.
He said the “House of Representatives is committed to supporting the work of CSOs and BMOs who recognise the critical role they play in achieving national development goals. We are working to create an enabling environment for these organisations to thrive, including, but not limited to legislative reforms and increased funding”.
Earlier, the acting Director, Peace and Democratic Governance Office, USAID Nigeria, Halima Abubakar said the U.S. development agency has supported about 230 civil groups in the work across Nigeria in the past four years through the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement, SCALE.
