EU Calls For Guiding Operative Platforms To Harmonise CSOs, Government Agencies

The European Union Agent for Citizens- Driven Transformation (EU ACT) has stated the need to provide a guiding operating platform that will harmonise the procedures between civil society organisations and government agencies at the states and local government levels in the country.

Edem Udoekong, manager of the Agent for citizen Driven Transformation, while speaking at the National Consultative Forum key for MDAs and CSOs network organised by British council in Abuja, said the forum is designed to also discuss on how to improve the regulatory environment for CSOs operations in Nigeria.

“Enabling environment is dependent on the regulatory framework.

"The capacity of an entity might be very good but If the regulatory environment is not enabling, it's still not going to function very well. That is why we are doing this.

"We tell CSOs to be independent partners in developing like others.

"We know why we need to get the regulatory environment and framework right.

Udoekong further explained that since CSOs attract lots of investment inform-of grants which are interest free, there is need to ensure the enabling environment is right hence the need for a good framework.

In her remarks, Winifred Achu, European Union representative, said the forum would provide a workable framework for CSOs to perform in their various capacities.

Participants from Rivers, Adamawa and Bayelsa expressed optimism that the forum would improve their effectiveness and ensure that the government and the people benefit.