House of Lords Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Civil Society Select Committee Inquiry: Civil Society in Aid-Recipient Countries

 A. Are the current processes for acquiring and reporting on funding enabling or preventing smaller civil society organisations as they seek to secure support?
Key Points:
 Nigerian counter-terrorism regulations, FCDO due diligence/and risk-based approaches make it harder for smaller civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) to access foreign funding.
 Nigerian counter-terrorism and FCDO due diligence/risk-based approaches increase CSOs' administrative costs, including reporting capacities for small CSOs/CBOs and risk shutting down.
 Due to their advocacy efforts, human rights and women's CSOs face higher administrative costs. Muslim CSOs also faced more regulations due to discriminatory practices that link Islam with terrorism.
 Small CSOs/CBOs are critical for effective programme implementation because they can tailor solutions and advocate for local needs.
Recommendation:
 FCDO can support CSOs through training and skills development in financial management. This can help ensure transparency and accountability and build trust with states and donors.

B. To what extent has FCDO support for improving the enabling environment for civil society, and direct support for civil society organisations, aided progress towards reaching Sustainable Development Goal 16 - "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions"?
Key Points
 The Nigerian government is not inclusive in its engagement with all CSOs, as only those engaged in service delivery are engaged, and advocacy or criticism of government policies is excluded from decision-making and implementation.
 The exclusion of CSOs hinders open communication and prevents them from effectively identifying and addressing human rights violations.
 There is tension between the FCDO's evidence-based approach and the Nigerian government's security-driven approach, which restricts CSOs without providing concrete evidence and stifles legitimate activism.
 The Nigerian government's Counter-terrorism policies restrict CSOs' ability to act independently and hold the government accountable, which affects peace and democratic consolidation.
Recommendation:
 The FCDO should ensure that implementing partners adopt a more transparent approach and openly communicate with the FCDOs' (programme operating framework) (PrOF).
 To improve counter-terrorism efforts, they can collaboratively address concerns raised in CSO reports, such as corrupt practices in the implementation of counter-terrorism programmes which sustain conflicts and terrorism.
 FCDO should ensure that implementing partners prioritise human rights, align with FCDO's PrOF on transparency and accountability, and foster trust with the local population.
 Training programmes on information-sharing protocols can further enhance trust and establish secure communication channels.

C. What role can the FCDO’s work on improving civil society play in broader UK international policy?
D. What wider benefits can be harnessed from strengthened civil society?
Key Points
 Nigeria's regulatory framework and FCDO partner vetting systems affect CSOs' ability to secure funding, their strength, and their ability to shape UK international policy.
Recommendations
 For FCDO programmes to be most effective, they should actively gather feedback and adapt activities based on the needs of CSOs and CBOs throughout the programme lifecycle.
 FCDO should utilize third-party monitoring and evaluation programmes to ensure programme efficacy and grassroots inclusion.
 FCDO can use M&E reports to inform course corrections and improve programme design to serve the grassroots community better.
 FCDO should involve local CSOs and beneficiaries in the design and execution of programmes through interactive forums.
 FCDO should facilitate collaborative partnerships between civil society, regulatory bodies, and government ministries for
maximum programme effectiveness.

Conclusion:
Civil society organisations bridge the gap between the government and society, promoting accountability and transparency in decision-making and implementation. A strengthened civil society has a broader advantage in mitigating violent conflicts in Nigeria and promoting peace, socio-political progress, and economic development.