A wake-up call for civil society in Nigeria

The role of civil society in a democracy is no longer in question. Indeed, civil society the world over has been widely recognised as an increasingly important agent for promoting good governance like transparency, effectiveness, openness, responsiveness and accountability. In other words, civil society functions as mediator between the individual and the state. It comprises institutions such as trade unions, professional associations, faith-based groups, media organisations, community-based groups and other forms of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

According to analysts, civil society can further and improve good governance, first, by policy analysis and advocacy; second, by regulation and monitoring of state performance and the action and behaviour of public officials; third, by building social capital and enabling citizens to identify and articulate their values, beliefs, civic norms and democratic practices; fourth, by mobilising particular constituencies, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised sections of masses, to participate more fully in politics and public affairs; and fifth, by development work to improve the wellbeing of their own and other communities.

In advanced and virile democratic systems, civil society organisations (CSOs) supplement formal processes, such as voting, and help citizens shape the culture, politics, and economies of their nation.

In Nigeria, regrettably, the civil society does not seem to have lived up to expectations in recent times. And part of the problem is finance. Many CSOs are highly dependent on foreign aid. As long as this aid continues to flow in, they remain vibrant, but as soon as the flow stops, they go into coma.

Furthermore, from their mode of operation, it is obvious that a great many of the CSOs in Nigeria are small, localised, and uncoordinated. As a result, they can hardly key into state and national development policies. With a very weak organisational structure and porous financial base, most CSOs therefore find it difficult to engage in effective advocacy work.

CSOs in Nigeria are perceived to be elitist in their approach to issues. This means that most of them lack genuine grassroots participation as grassroots leaders often lose their links to their original constituents. Put in another way, they are often far removed from the people whose interests they pretend to represent, and as a result, they are often not accountable to these people.

And there is the issue of trust deficit between CSOs and government – exacerbated by the history of grassroots interaction with governments, which is filled with broken promises, indifference, corruption, and clientelism. The masses also do not often trust the CSOs as genuine representatives of their interests. This is why the CSOs are always at loggerheads with government, and when they are not, they are dining with government, thereby compromising the interest of the masses.

In order for civil society to play a more active role in Nigeria going forward, there is absolute need for CSOs in the country to seek alternative sources of funding to boost their financial base. One area they can readily explore is partnership with private sector organisations who share similar ideals.

Equally, CSOs need to clearly define their relationship with government, as well as deepen their interaction with the masses for whose benefit they ostensibly exist. Rather than always being at each other’s neck, CSOs and government must learn the art and practice of participatory governance. As CSOs learn how to properly apply themselves to government issues, government itself must also come to terms with the role of CSOs in a democratic system.

As the 2015 elections approach, and as Nigeria gets set to celebrate 16 years of unbroken democracy, the time is now for civil society organisations in the country to shed the cloak of lethargy and rise up to their responsibility.