A group which works with the government to provide solutions to pressing challenges, Palladium, has partnered with Nigeria Network of NGOs to create an information system and public directory to boost the operations of the Civil Society Organisations.
This was disclosed to The Punch on Monday in a statement made by the Communications Lead, Nigeria Network of NGOs, Oyindamola Aramide.
The statement reads in part, “To promote accountability, transparency, and legitimacy for civil society, and the media on the Civil Society Public Directory and Management Information System, platforms being developed to capture and provide information on the operations of civil society organisations in Nigeria while strengthening the capacity of civil society to engage citizens to influence the Government of Nigeria in key development reforms at all levels.
“The platforms were developed as part of activities under the project Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagements supported by United States Agency for International Development and aim to create a system that allows for civil society growth through ensuring visibility, self-regulation, learning, and experience sharing among the different levels within the civil society community.”
According to the Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs, Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi, the platforms would strengthening capacity of Nigerian CSOs.
Oyebisi further stated, “Regulations are delicate but remain very important for the development of any sector and so we have taken the initiative to create tools, platforms and systems that aid not only statutory regulatory compliance but also self-regulation while paying attention to capacity strengthening and growth for Nigerian CSOs using technology.
“I must say, we are excited to be at the centre of this huge development in the history of the Nigerian third sector.
“Following about 6 regional consultations to conceptualise the platform’s design, we are again deepening the consultation today, moving from conception to practice in ways that ensures we can define user experience for the MIS and Public Directory through learning, collaboration, and consultation.”
The Punch reported that the statement established the next few months would feature engagements with CSOs across the country.
The purpose of the engagement is to encourage subscription to the platforms that were created in a way that allows information to be submitted and then verified using artificial intelligence-supported algorithms.
It ensures that organizations have access to resources to build their capacities across a number of areas while being accessible to organizations in hard-to-reach locations and individuals with disabilities.
According to the statement, “Ultimately, the platforms will be useful to government, regulators, development partners, donors and CSO themselves in identifying Nigerian CSOs, their activities, partners, promote collaboration, good governance, capacity development and inspiring confidence and trust in the activities of civil society organisations.”
