He encouraged the CSOs to embark on a wider consultations with the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly as well as Law Reform Commission stressing that the commission is mandated to review outdated laws and advise government accordingly as only after proper consultations can the legislature be guided on which law to amend or repel.
He admitted that while the state houses of Assembly play a role especially in oversight the primary responsibility lies with the National Assembly because many of the laws regulating CSOs especially the Company and Allied Matter Act 2020 CAMA falls under the exclusive legislative list and once the National Assembly legislates on a subject, the state legislature cannot enact conflicting laws except in areas not covered.
”It is also important for CSOs to understand legal exceptions that already exist for example, section 10(f) of the tenement rate law cap 151 law of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 exempts non profit organisations from paying tenement rate, section 3 of the business premises registration law cap 124 also empowers the commissioner to grant exemptions to CSOs, similar provisions exist at the federal level under CAMA and VAT act.” He added.
He, however promised to use relevant legislative tools at his disposal to ensure enabling policies are enacted for effective operation of CSOs in Akwa Ibom state and South South region at large
Earlier in her remarks, the executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu recounted the significant progress made by the organisation within one year after the 2024 regional conferences especially in the area of partnership for a sustainable operational environment for CSOs.
Baiyewu also expressed hope that the 2025 conferences would create actionable steps that will allow civil society actors optimize their impact and function freely in their humanitarian services to communities.
”This year’s conferences seek to continue the conversation started last year and consolidate the implementation of a harmonized regulatory framework either via the pathway of a policy or law to eliminate redundant registrations, enhance funding opportunities and foster inclusive policy development.
The 2025 conferences will also introduce the CSO community to tools expected to improve CSO compliance, to extant laws and establish a regional task force for coordination,” Baiyewu noted.
On the import of the conference, the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said it was aimed at strengthening partnership and regular interactions between CSOs and State government agencies for a favorable regulatory environment to operate.
”These conferences are designed to be meeting points for civil society stakeholders, state and federal government actors to meet, discuss and agree on key issues relating to laws and regulations that affect civil society operations.” She stated.
