Breaking the Cycle – Funding, Fragility and the Future of Civil Society in Nigeria
By Charles Kojo Vandyck
Civil Society at a Crossroads
Civil society in Nigeria has long played a vital role in defending democracy, promoting accountability, advancing social justice, and responding to humanitarian needs. For decades, civil society organisations (CSOs) have stood at the forefront of advocacy, citizen engagement, and service delivery, often stepping in where public systems have fallen short. Yet today, the sector itself is facing a deep and troubling crisis.
A recent report by the West Africa Civil Society Institute and the Nigeria Network of NGOs, titled “Trapped in Fragility: An Assessment of Civil Society Landscape in Nigeria”, paints a sobering picture of a sector trapped in what the report describes as a “systemic starvation cycle”. In simple terms, many organisations are struggling to survive because they lack the long-term funding and institutional support needed to build strong systems, invest in staff, demonstrate impact and remain sustainable.
The Data Behind the Fragility
The findings are both alarming and revealing. Based on a survey of 693 organisations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the report shows that 86 per cent of organisations operate without a written fundraising plan. This means many groups are relying on short-term opportunities rather than building structured sustainability strategies. At the same time, more than three-quarters of organisations have not conducted formal programme evaluations in the last two years, making it difficult for them to measure impact, learn from their work, or demonstrate accountability to supporters and communities.
Weak Systems and Limited Investment in People
The crisis goes beyond funding alone. Many organisations are operating with weak internal systems and limited investment in people. More than 60 per cent of CSOs surveyed have no dedicated budget for staff development and training. Even more concerning is that over 80 per cent lack essential governance and operational frameworks such as board manuals, communication strategies, and IT policies. This reflects a wider institutional weakness that continues to undermine the sector’s effectiveness and resilience.
Leadership and Governance Challenges
Leadership and governance challenges also remain significant. Nearly two-thirds of organisations reported difficulties with board development and oversight. Without strong leadership structures, organisations often struggle with strategic direction, accountability, and long-term planning. These are not simply administrative gaps; they are structural issues that affect the credibility and sustainability of civil society itself.
A Shrinking Civic Space
At the same time, Nigerian civil society is operating within an increasingly restrictive civic environment. The report highlights growing concerns around harassment, surveillance, restrictive laws, and shrinking civic space. In many ways, this reflects the rise of what some analysts describe as “illiberal democracy”, where democratic processes continue formally, but dissent, civic action, and independent voices face increasing pressure.
Digital Vulnerabilities in a Changing World
Technology has also become a new area of vulnerability. Nearly half of the organisations surveyed reported weak preparedness against cyber threats, including phishing attacks and ransomware incidents. Despite the growing importance of digital advocacy and online engagement, many organisations still lack basic digital systems and tools. The report notes that none of the surveyed organisations currently use automated data analytics systems, while almost 89 per cent do not use donor management or customer relationship management platforms. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, this creates serious risks for sustainability, visibility, and operational effectiveness.
Regional Imbalances and Structural Barriers
Another important issue raised in the report is the imbalance in the distribution of civil society organisations across the country. While southern Nigeria has a higher concentration of registered organisations, many northern regions with serious humanitarian and development challenges remain underserved. Grassroots groups, particularly smaller community-based organisations, also face significant regulatory and registration barriers that limit their ability to access formal funding, banking systems, and government support.
Moving from Survival to Resilience
Yet despite these difficult realities, the report also offers hope. The challenges facing Nigerian civil society are serious, but they are not irreversible. What is needed now is a collective commitment to rebuilding the sector’s resilience, credibility and sustainability.
For civil society organisations themselves, this means investing more intentionally in governance, leadership, fundraising, organisational systems, and digital security. Capacity strengthening can no longer be treated as optional; it must become central to organisational survival and impact.
Rethinking the Role of Donors
For donors and development partners, there is a growing need to rethink traditional funding models. Too often, funding is short-term, project-focused, and restrictive, leaving organisations unable to invest in the very systems that enable impact. Trust-based, flexible, and long-term funding approaches are essential if local organisations are to move beyond survival mode and build lasting institutional strength.
Creating an Enabling Environment
For government and regulators, there is an urgent need to create a more enabling environment for civil society. Simplifying registration processes, reducing unnecessary restrictions, and fostering partnership rather than suspicion would go a long way in strengthening civic participation and democratic accountability.
A National Call to Action
The report is more than just an assessment of institutional weaknesses. It is a national call to action. If civil society is to continue serving as the nation’s conscience and a force for justice, accountability, and citizen empowerment, then rebuilding its foundations must become a shared priority. The future of development and democracy in Nigeria depends not only on the strength of state institutions, but also on the resilience, independence, and vitality of civil society itself.
(Charles Kojo Vandyck is the Head, Capacity Development at the West Africa Civil Society Institute, based in Accra, Ghana. He is the author of “The Engine Behind the Mission: Re-imagining Non-profit Operating Models in the Global Majority” and “The Art and Science of Consistent Leadership: Steady Steps to Extraordinary Impact”)
