In the last 2 decades, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming rise in state backed attempts to stifle the civic space, regulate and restrict civil society organizations, criminalize democratic dissent and suffocate freedom of assembly and expression. At the federal level, there have been at least eight legislative attempts to stifle the civic space and restrict the operations of civil society organizations. The federal government has introduced legislative proposals in 2013, 2016, 2021 and 2023 in this regard.  These initiatives underscore a persistent agenda to control and monitor the civic space under the guise of national security and regulatory compliance. 

While threats to the civic space at the national level are well documented and often make the news, those at the sub national level do not receive commensurate publicity. 

On the 30th of July, 2024, We the People organized a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Strengthening and Protecting the Civic Space and Civil Society Operational Environment in the Niger Delta. The meeting noted that the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has been particularly affected by these developments. The region’s strategic importance, due to its rich natural resources and complex socio-political dynamics, has made it a focal point for both civil society activities and government scrutiny. The dialogue brought together CSO leaders, activists, journalists, legal experts, and representatives from communities. The dialogue aimed to create a platform for discussing the current threats to civic space, particularly those affecting the operational environment of CSOs in the Niger Delta region. It also sought to develop actionable strategies to counter these threats, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and reinforce the commitment to upholding democratic principles.

In his opening speech, Ken Henshaw provided a historical overview of the evolution of civic space in Nigeria, highlighting the gradual erosion of civil liberties and the increasing hostility towards civil society actors. He underscored the importance of civic space in a democracy, describing it as the bedrock of free and open societies where individuals and groups can engage in public affairs, express their opinions, and hold the government accountable. Henshaw also addressed the specific challenges faced by CSOs in the South-South region, including the complex interplay of local politics, economic interests, and security concerns. 

Henshaw explained that while much attention is often given to federal government actions, state-level infringements on civic space are equally significant. He described how state governments, local law enforcement, and other state actors often implement policies and practices that restrict the activities of CSOs. These include requirements for multiple registrations with state ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), which are not only burdensome but also costly.  Ken Henshaw also informed the audience that threats to the civic space and the operational environment of CSO in the state of the Niger Delta are unique in comparison to other states of the federation. According to him, the militarization of the region and factors including crude oil associated pollution, introduce an additional layer of civic space pressure. He stated that this reality made it expedient and necessary for civic actors in the region to be more proactive. 

Leonard Oragwa, Esq., a legal expert, provided an in-depth analysis of the state of civic space at the federal level in Nigeria. His presentation focused on the legal, security and regulatory frameworks that have been introduced over the past decade, which have significantly affected the operational environment for CSOs.

Oragwa outlined the key legislative attempts to regulate NGOs, starting with the controversial NGO Regulation Bill. He explained that this bill, which has been reintroduced multiple times since 2013, seeks to establish stringent oversight mechanisms for NGOs, including mandatory registration with a government-controlled commission, reporting requirements, and the potential for arbitrary deregistration. Oragwa argued that such regulations are not only unnecessary, given the existing legal frameworks that already govern NGOs, but also dangerous, as they grant excessive powers to the government to interfere in civil society activities

We the People used the opportunity of the meeting to present its new report on civic space repression in the Niger Delta titled ‘Behind the Scene: State Attacks on Civic Freedoms in the Niger Delta’. 

The Dialogue reached the following resolutions;

• Call for Legal Reforms: The participants resolved to advocate for the repeal of restrictive laws and the introduction of supportive legislative frameworks that protect the rights of CSOs to operate freely. This resolution emphasized the need for a legal environment that recognizes and supports the vital role of civil society in promoting good governance, human rights, and social justice. The participants agreed to work together to push for changes in existing laws and to oppose any new legislation that seeks to further restrict civic space.
• Establishment of Protection Mechanisms: A resolution was passed to develop and implement mechanisms for the protection of activists, journalists, and CSO workers who are at risk of harassment or violence. This includes creating networks of legal support, providing emergency assistance for those facing threats, and establishing safe spaces where activists can operate without fear of retribution. The participants also resolved to create a rapid response team that can provide immediate support
• Strengthening Collaboration: The dialogue resolved to enhance collaboration among CSOs, the private sector, and international organizations to create a unified front against the shrinking civic space. This includes joint advocacy campaigns, information sharing, and coordinated responses to threats. The participants recognized that by working together, they can amplify their voices, increase their influence, and build stronger defenses against the challenges they face.
• Monitoring, Documenting and Reporting: The meeting resolved to establish frameworks for monitoring, documenting and reporting civic space abuses across the region. This will involve collaboration with all partners including the media.
• Identifying Patterns of Abuses in the South South: The meeting noted that civic space infringements are made worse in the Niger Delta on account of oil extraction and the presence of military formations ostensibly to protect oil extraction. This has impacted civic freedoms in the area. The dialogue resolved to develop study on these patterns and recommend ways of addressing them.
• Capacity Building and Advocacy: Participants committed to organizing capacity-building workshops for CSOs to better equip them to navigate legal and operational challenges. This includes training on legal rights, advocacy strategies, financial management, and other areas critical to the sustainability of CSOs. Additionally, there was a resolution to launch sustained advocacy campaigns aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of civic space and the role of civil society in democratic governance. These campaigns will target both the general public and policymakers, aiming to build a broad base of support for the protection of civic space.
• Follow-Up Mechanisms: The dialogue participants agreed to establish follow-up mechanisms, including regular meetings and progress reviews, to ensure the implementation of the resolutions and to adjust strategies as necessary. This resolution emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the commitments made during the dialogue are translated into concrete actions.