By: Gafar Alabi

Non - Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are globally structured to provide free humanitarian services for the wellbeing of the needy and vulnerable in the society without expecting anything in return. Today, there are estimated 10 million non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) worldwide and over 46, 000 NGOs registered in Nigeria with various nomenclatures and programmes, according to records at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) tailored  to meet the needs and aspirations of the poor across the country.

The term NGO was fashioned out from the United Nations in 1945 to distinguish between government and private organisations. For example, the International Red Cross and Doctors without Borders. NGOs are funded through grants and special supports from both local and foreign donors aimed at fostering pro-poor policy, enhancing service delivery and transparent governance.

NGOs are operating independently from the state. They are also known as non actors that have garnered significant public trust due to their altruistic philosophy, with their scopes ranging from international to local levels. NGOs focus on various thematic areas such as the environment, health, gender, governance, democracy, policies, socio-economic issues, Child Abuse among others. They often collaborate and partner with  necessary bodies  to  impact the lives of women, men, youths, vulnerable groups, policy, and decision-makers.

The impacts of NGOs on national development span across governance, health, the environment, economics, legal issues, cultural aspects, religion, and social development. These efforts aimed to alleviate the suffering of the poorest of the poor in society. In addressing national development issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, low income, poor health, environmental degradation, corruption, and bad leadership, NGOs, with support from donor agencies, philanthropists, and partners, implement projects to improve living conditions of the vulnerable and promote good health of the society, including indigent.

However, some scepticism surrounds NGOs due to instances of misuse of funds. Some NGOs have been accused of diverting funds intended for the needy to personal use, which has led to doubts about their credibility and integrity. This malpractice has discouraged some philanthropists from sponsoring their activities. Issues of transparency, accountability, and resource management have also raised concerns. Many NGOs operate in the same space, doubting duplication of efforts, competition for resources, and lack of coordination, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

In Nigeria, NGOs have contributed significantly to national development, with many of them addressing critical issues that affect human lives and the social wellbeing of various demographics of people and across diverse sectors. Specifically, it is noteworthy that many of these organizations have done a lot in covering gaps in the absence of financial wherewithal on the part of government. As such, one can conclude that roles of NGOs in society are just as imperative as those of government. However, the issues identified as challenges affecting NGOs continue to linger.

The transparency of NGOs' operations in Nigeria became suspicious  and questionable  in 2019, when former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila criticized some of these  NGOs for misconduct. A bill was sponsored by  Hon. Buba Jubrin in the 8th National Assembly as part of efforts aimed at  regulating their operations. The House also moved a motion to investigate the total number of NGOs and their sources of funding. This development followed the Nigerian Army's shutdown of Action Against Hunger's operations, accusing the NGO of aiding Boko Haram insurgency.

For instance, the Ogun State has over 69 registered NGOs that are geared towards uplifting the lives of vulnerable and poor masses in the society, among the NGOs operating in the State is Inaolaji Humane Foundation (IHF), which was established to improving the wellbeing of the less privileged in the State.

This foundation  has remained reliable and transparent since its establishment in 2020 by Prophet Emmanuel Inaolaji. It began operations in Oyo State and expanded to Lagos and Ogun. The foundation has empowered thousands of vulnerable people through medical outreach and the provision of cash, food items, and working equipment to the poor. The organization believes in the transformative power of love and kindness to bless humanity.

Many lost hope among the widows, widowers, orphans, the less privileged, and the aged have been rekindled through humanitarian support of the NGO. IHF empowers lots of less privileged in its locality to be self-reliant. The organization distributes food items to the elderly people to mitigate food insecurity, visits schools for special needs even across communities in  Oyo State, it carries out free Medical outreaches for people with eye conditions, such as cataract, glaucoma and high blood pressure in Ogun State. Additionally, the foundation provided school materials to assist pupils in their educational pursuits.

Considering the invaluable roles and contributions of NGOs to the socio-economic wellbeing of citizenry and efforts at ensuring sustainable growth and development, it is imperative for government at all levels as well as philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to collaborate with the NGOs towards achieving this onerous task, as governments cannot do it alone.

It is advisable that the government at all levels should monitor the activities of NGOs as their number keep increasing on a daily basis in the country. While lawmakers should also enact laws that would further checkmate NGOs mode of operations, fundraising and ensure that they remain  accountable, so as to curb fund diversion that might truncate the essence of NGOs in improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the country.

Gafar Alabi, a Public Affairs Commentator, writes in from Abiola Way, Abeokuta, Ogun State, capital.