Lagos State Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP), the umbrella body of all Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Lagos, is seeking the harmonization of different regulatory frameworks guiding the operations of CSOs and Development partners in Lagos State.
The harmonization was considered imperative to address the multiple registrations that CSOs go through while engaging with government agencies, which in turn delay the implementation of projects by CSOs or cost more resources.
Towards this end, LACSOP organized a one-day Consultative Forum for specific Lagos State Ministries, Department, and Agencies on harmonizing CSO regulatory Frameworks/Registration Procedures.
While delivering her welcome address at the event, Dede Kadiri, the Executive Secretary of LACSOP said the desire of LACSOP through the project is to put in place a more proportionate and appropriate regulation of the non-profit sector in the state.
Kadiri mentioned that CSOs are not anti-government, and the project is also aimed at helping the MDAs effectively manage CSOs, instead of duplicating efforts and exasperating NGOs’ efforts in the state.
Barr Ayo Adebusoye, Member, LACSOP Board of Trustee noted that CSOs are partners in progress and are aimed at ensuring that governance issues reach the most vulnerable in the society, and as such, should be encouraged and not frustrated with different regulations.
Adebusoye mentioned that there are multiple registration points at different MDAs and if they are not streamlined, there could be conflicts.
Corroborating him, Rev. Bola Nuga, a member of LACSOP said LACSOP members complain about numerous regulations from different MDAs and recommended that there should be a one-stop-shop for CSOs regulation in the state.
Stating how important the roles of CSOs are and how the government should work with them smoothly, Nuga noted that CSOs monitor government policies and actions and hold government accountable and also engage in advocacy and offer alternative policies for government, the private sector, and other institutions.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Gbenga Ogboye who was represented by Dr. Tolu Ajomale, said the MDAs understand the huge role that CSOs play in ensuring good governance for citizens but noted that the MDAs have a duty to ensure the MDAs are on the right track.
Ajomale noted that the Ministry of Health operates an open door policy and would support CSOs in the state, stressing that the framework to be developed is appropriate to create structures for existing and incoming CSOs in Lagos State.
Participants at the forum reviewed the Bill for a law to harmonize mechanism between development organizations and Lagos state Government to ensure that intervention projects are well organized, (implemented) and managed, and to establish a robust and functional coordination platform that promotes harmonization, local ownership and joint monitoring for results; and other matters connected thereto (and for related matters) 2022.
Participants at the hybrid event were drawn from Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, Women and Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, and different CSO groups.