EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN ADVOCATING CHANGE IN THE SOCIETY
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EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN ADVOCATING CHANGE IN THE SOCIETY
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are becoming increasingly essential in global governance and development efforts. In many countries, CSOs have emerged as key actors in the delivery of social services and the implementation of other national development initiatives to supplement what governments may fail to provide to their populations (Ulanga, 2009).
First, CSOs operate on a local and national scale. They offer a variety of services to the general people, government agencies, and enterprises. In numerous countries
they play an important role in the delivery of social, cultural, and welfare services, either as a separate self-funded organisation or in collaboration with national governments and local public bodies.
They are thus active in public missions and services that face new problems and may undergo significant changes in the future. To a large extent, the development CSOs and their relationship with the state on governance concerns have reflected the current socioeconomic and political climate (Kiondo, 2004).
According to Diamond (1999), a robust civil society is necessary for any nation’s development. According to studies, civil society groups have an important influence in African countries’ political, social, and economic growth.
Prior to independence, there were approximately 51 religious, labour, linguistic, and ethnic organisations, as well as dance clubs. However, multiple studies show that even those few organisations that were vociferous and independent during the battle for independence were eventually banned when the country became a one-party state
while others were decentralised and came under state supervision. For example, the Ruvuma Development Association was banned in 1969 because regional authorities perceived its autonomy and emphasis on democracy as a danger (LHRC, 2011).
According to Kiondo (2004), in the late 1980s and 1990s, Nigeria saw significant social, economic, and political transformation. In the economic sphere, it transitioned from a centralised to an open economy, while in the political realm, it went from a single party to a multiparty system.
This new attitude generated opportunities for voluntary involvement in the form of civic associations. As a result, in the 1980s and 1990s, Nigeria experienced extraordinary increase in the number of Civil Society Organisations (CSO).
While some CSOs work hard to advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, others focus on good governance and poverty reduction methods (Civicus, 2008).
For example, in Nigeria, political parties and other CSOs have been opposing the dominant political party, which has held power since the country’s independence in 1961.
Several CSOs become involved in boosting voter knowledge on election issues in the run-up to general elections, which are conducted once every five years, and they also help monitor the electoral process during elections.
Economic reform schemes have also piqued the interest of civil society organisations (CSOs), with some actively engaging in ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms reach people at the grassroots level through initiatives such as public expenditure monitoring (PETS) (Civicus, 2011).
Globalisation has influenced countries’ socioeconomic environments for more than two decades. While globalisation offers new opportunities for economic development to countries through trade liberalisation, foreign direct investment, capital flows, information exchange, and technological transfer, it has also resulted in increased deprivation for those nations that have been unable to adapt to the new demands of global society.
On the one hand, while some regions see significant economic growth and wealth, over a billion people continue to live in poverty, with a purchasing power of less than a dollar per day.
In the poorest countries, over one-fifth of children die within the first year of life, almost half of those who survive are malnourished, and a sizable proportion of the population lacks access to clean water, sanitation, basic health care, and education.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
While many civil society organisations in the country work to influence the government and policymakers on many topics of public interest, the government continues to mistrust and misunderstand their roles.
Many CSOs are concerned that, while the government has changed its attitude towards the private sector as a development partner, it has not changed its stance towards civil society organisations (Ingelstam and Karlstedt, 2007).
Although various studies have contributed to understanding the key issues confronting CSOs in Nigeria, the majority of them have not looked into the effectiveness of these CSOs in pushing for social change.
This is what prompted the researcher to conduct an analysis of the effectiveness of civil society organisations (particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress) in lobbying for social change.
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