Over the past four years, the United States Government through the US Agency for International Development has improved the organisational and advocacy capacities of local civil society organisations and business membership organisations in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
USAID, through the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement activity in Nigeria, trained 215 CSOs and BMOs.
It also supported more than 1,000 organisations.
These were aimed at driving policy reforms addressing development challenges: poverty, education, healthcare, corruption, service delivery, citizen participation in governance, and gender equality.
At the SCALE closeout event, USAID Nigeria Peace, Democracy and Governance Office Director, Angela Martin, said: “USAID remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and democratic society.”
USAID supported its CSO partners through training, mentoring, and coaching, enhancing their sustainability.
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This support led to over $8.4 million in grants won by SCALE partners from donor agencies, improving their resource diversification.
Launched in October 2020 and implemented by Palladium, the SCALE activity achieved more than 81 policy actions across sectors at federal, state, and local levels.
Other achievements include:
Support for a nationwide CSO self-regulation consultation, resulting in a CSO self-regulation council. This initiative identified six regulatory frameworks, addressing issues of corruption, money laundering, and terrorist financing. Over 400 organisations have adopted these frameworks.
Integration of perspectives from women, youth, and people with disabilities into civic space dialogues with the government.
Engagement with security agencies, traditional, religious, and community leaders to address trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and child marriage. The project supported local efforts to identify and report cases, leading to 28 investigated trafficking cases.
Launch of four postgraduate programs on organisational development and advocacy at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
The SCALE activity’s achievements aim to guide future initiatives for strengthening civil society and development in Nigeria.
