By Ibrahim Ramalan
Abuja
The Nigerian network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been urged to optimally operate within international standards and in the national interest.
This charge was contained in a communique issued at the end of a Round Table Workshop for Nigerian network of NGOs in Lagos recently, organised by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in collaboration with the Nigerian network of NGOs with a theme; Achieving Global Best Practices in NGOs and Management .
The workshop was coordinated by the Incorporated Trustees Department of the CAC to provide and ensure, prompt, efficient registration and supervisions of all Incorporated Trustees (NGOs).
Other items in the communiqué included that the Nigerian Network of NGOs should explore the example of other jurisdictions where umbrella bodies of NGO’s have adopted and embarked on self regulations by developing Quality Assurance Management (QUAM) standard to raise the bar in corporate governance.
Furthermore, that NGOs should align their activities with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Federal Government and practice robust corporate governance in order to be relevant and sustainable beyond the next few years.
Earlier, while declaring the workshop open, the Representative of the Registrar-General of the Commission, Director, Incorporated Trustees, Hajia Saratu Shafii, said that NGOs’ actions should be conducted strictly in line with their aims and objectives as stated in their constitution submitted to the Commission.
She stated that in the course of discharging regulatory roles and responsibilities, the Commission realized that some NGOs are not operating in accordance with the international standard hence the desire to ensure that all NGOs function optimally in the national interest.
She further stated that in line with the Commission’s policy focus in the area of sensitization and enlightenment, the decision to hold the workshop has become imperative and timely.
