Bauchi CSOs Build Capacity as 23 Organisations Undergo Self-Regulation Training

  Bauchi CSOs Build Capacity as 23 Organisations Undergo Self-Regulation Training

By Jamila Muhammad

The Bauchi State Network for Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC) has trained 23 civil society organisations (CSOs) on self-regulation practices aimed at improving their operational standards and effectiveness.

Speaking during the training in Bauchi on Friday, BASNEC Chairman, Mr. Jinjiri Garba, explained that the two-day programme, held between March 5 and March 6, was designed to help emerging organisations strengthen their institutional capacity and carry out their mandates without administrative difficulties.

Garba noted that the initiative was organised as a peer-to-peer learning exercise funded internally by members of the network, with the goal of fostering unity and collaboration among civil society organisations despite differences in their areas of operation.

He emphasised the need for CSOs to align their activities with internationally recognised standards in order to enhance transparency, accountability and the quality of services they deliver to communities.

According to him, the training also seeks to ensure that organisations meet the minimum requirements necessary for effective operations and improved access to funding opportunities.

Garba pointed out that the presence of multiple registration channels across various government ministries has created challenges for organisations, including cases of overlapping taxation and administrative burdens.

He therefore called for the establishment of a unified regulatory body that would coordinate and oversee the activities of civil society organisations in the state.

“We believe a regulatory council for CSOs, similar to professional bodies such as the Dental and Medical Council of Nigeria and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, would help ensure better coordination and smooth operations,” he said.

The BASNEC chairman further explained that the training programme was part of broader advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote the credibility, growth and sustainability of civil society organisations in Bauchi State.

He revealed that the current phase of the training involved 23 organisations selected as “champions”, who are expected to replicate the knowledge gained within their respective networks.

Garba added that BASNEC plans to reconvene participants in two months to assess the progress made and determine the impact of the step-down training.

“Our goal is to continue cascading the knowledge until we have significantly strengthened the capacity of civil society organisations across the state,” he said.

The capacity-building programme covered key areas such as adherence to project implementation procedures, compliance with codes of conduct, taxation obligations and other governance practices required for effective civil society operations.