WACSI Report Warns of Funding Crisis in Nigeria's Civil Society

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) launched a report on Nigeria's civil society fragility during a hybrid event in Abuja. The report, produced in collaboration with the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), surveyed 693 civil society organizations, revealing that 86% operate without a written fundraising plan and 76.3% have not conducted formal program evaluations in the past two years.

It identifies chronic funding shortages and weak institutional systems as significant barriers to sustainability. The report highlights that 60.2% of organizations lack dedicated budget staff training, and 80% lack essential internal systems.

Access to government funding remains a major challenge, with 67.8% struggling to secure it. The report also notes a reliance on limited funding sources and highlights cybersecurity vulnerabilities, with 35.6% experiencing phishing attacks.

WACSI's Nigeria node chair, Mr. Oladayo Olaide, emphasized the need for urgent reforms to prevent organizations from remaining in survival mode.

Omolara Balogun stressed the importance of long-term sustainability for the sector.