NGOs and National Development in Nigeria Enemi, Okon Effiong

Abstract

This paper attempts to appraise the contributions of NGOs to National Development in Nigeria. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are not-for-profit organizations that came into being in 1945 when United Nation was created. Since then, they have operated independently from the state and have gained high degree of public trust due to its philosophy. NGO’s includes Faith based organizations and CBOs, their scope covers International, Regional, National, Political zones, states, LGAs and Communities. They have different focus or thematic areas depending on their passions, some of which includes environment, health, gender, governance/democracy or policies, socio-economic empowerment among others. They most times work in collaboration, partnership and as Network to achieve a common purpose in National development with target audience such as women, men, youth, vulnerable/physically challenge groups and policy/decision makers. Some of their operational strategies includes Training, seminars/workshops, sensitization/awareness creation, research, education/information sharing and consultation etc. The impacts and contributions of NGOs to National development cut across, governance/politics, health, environment, economics, legal, cultural, religious and social development sectors etc. with the view to alleviating the suffering of poorest of the poor in society. In recognition of the problems of national development in terms of poverty, inequality, unemployment, low income, poor health, environmental degradation, corruption and bad leadership, NGOs with supports from donor agencies, philanthropists and partners implement projects /programmes in urban, sub-urban and rural communities to improve the living standard of rural poor to promote good health/ healthy living.