N’Assemby to Reopen Civil Society Organisations’ Liaison Office,Seeks More Synergy

Uchechukwu Nnaike

For deeper collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs), the National Assembly is set to reopen the Civil Society Organisations’ Liaison Office.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-governmental Organisations, Senator Victor Umeh, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at the opening of a two-day joint workshop for the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-governmental Organisations and House of Representatives Committee on Civil Societies and Development Matters. 

The workshop, with the theme ‘Understanding and Sustaining Collaboration with Civil Society’, was organised by the European Union-funded Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) programme, implemented by the British Council in Nigeria.

According to Senator Umeh, since the CSOs are engaged in different aspects of societal life, operating in the National Assembly will enable them to generate necessary bills and motions that will address critical issues of the moment. 

He said the centre would be a data bank for lawmakers to tap into happenings in the country, adding that the takeaways from the workshop would give them a direction on how to utilise the activities of CSOs in making progressive laws, interventions, and legislations that will help to correct the ills of the society. 

In her remarks, the Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Lucy Pearson, said the two-day workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the partnership between legislators and civil society organisations, which will inevitably create an enabling environment where civil society thrives, legislative processes are enhanced, and the voices of all citizens are heard and valued. 

“We will delve into discussions aimed at equipping legislators with the necessary skills and knowledge required to enhance collaboration and foster constructive relationships with civil society organisations.

“Legislators undoubtedly play a pivotal role in democratic governance, serving as the voice of the people and the custodians of the rule of law. However, in order to fulfil their mandates effectively, it is imperative for legislators to work collaboratively with civil society organisations. Civil society on the other hand serves as a crucial link between government and citizens, advocating for the rights and interests of the people, and contributing valuable insights and expertise to policy development and implementation. Through open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration at this workshop, we aim to identify strategies to enhance engagement, foster mutual understanding, and build constructive relationships that advance the common good,” she said. 

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Civil Societies and Development Matters, Hon. Victor Obuzor, noted that CSOs mean well for the country, but they are mistaken to be antagonisers because there is lack of understanding of what they are doing, hence the workshop.