Ogun CSOs reject multiple levies, seek unified regulatory framework

By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ogun State have called on the state government and regulatory agencies to harmonise compliance requirements and avoid policies that could commercialise non-profit operations through multiple registrations, renewals and fees.

Speaking at a rece media briefing  on behalf of the CSO Self-Regulatory Community of Practice (CoP), Ogun State, with support from Global Rights, Dr Tayo Akinpelu said civil society groups were committed to strengthening internal accountability while advocating an enabling environment that supports their role in governance and development.

The group noted that CSOs, NGOs and other non-profit organisations have played a critical role in grassroots development, transparency advocacy and social welfare across the state.

However, Akinpelu stressed that the sector must uphold high standards of integrity and compliance to effectively hold government accountable on issues such as public procurement, local government autonomy and healthcare delivery.

According to the CoP, concerns have emerged in policy circles suggesting that CSOs operate without adequate regulation.

The group argued that existing legal and institutional frameworks at both federal and state levels already provide sufficient oversight for the establishment and operation of civil society organisations.

To improve compliance within the sector, the CoP said it has trained more than 100 CSOs on regulatory obligations, supported organisations in meeting legal requirements, increased awareness of existing regulatory frameworks and promoted voluntary self-regulation, transparency and accountability.

The group, however, identified several challenges facing CSOs in Ogun State, including, persistent misconceptions that CSOs are unregulated, multiple and overlapping compliance requirements from different government agencies, increasing commercialisation of regulatory processes through numerous fees and registration demands and limited support systems for grassroots organisations seeking to understand and meet compliance obligations.

The CSO Self-Regulatory Community of Practice urged the Ogun State Government to harmonise all regulatory requirements affecting CSOs, eliminate duplication in registration and compliance processes, avoid policies that impose excessive financial burdens on non-profit organisations, strengthen collaboration and dialogue with civil society actors and work with regulatory bodies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to maintain efficient, supportive and digitised compliance systems.

The group also urged CSOs across Ogun State to comply with all applicable laws, uphold transparency and accountability standards, participate in self-regulatory initiatives and embrace ethical practices that strengthen public trust.

The CoP maintained that a self-compliant civil society possesses the moral authority to demand accountability from government institutions.

“A vibrant civil society sector remains essential to good governance, democratic participation and sustainable development.

“Strengthening compliance with existing regulations, rather than creating additional layers of regulation, is the most effective approach to promoting accountability while preserving civic space,” the group stated.