By Laraba MUREY
The European Union- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, EU-IIDEA, along with relevant stakeholders, has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act, SDA, expressing worry over the shrinking civic space at the sub-national level.
The call was made at the National SDA summit, organised by the EU-IIDEA under its CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project in Abuja.
At the summit the stakeholders agreed that the country cannot achieve inclusive growth or protect vulnerable groups under the current fragmented framework.
The SD Act was first conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004 as the central framework for coordinated and inclusive social development in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, shared experiences illustrating the challenges faced by sub-national CSOs, including inconsistent regulations that once led to the closure of community organisations’ bank accounts.
“We were stranded. Even the registration processes were unclear. When grassroots operators cannot function, you are shrinking the civic space,” he said.
He urged that the amended Act provide states with a clear legal framework for social protection and participation by civil society. “We want a standing law that expands the civic space and ensures citizens are part of governance.”
In the same vein, Project Manager of the EU Strengthening Bridge, EU-Bridge, Project, Mr Idem Akpan Udoekong, said the summit was convened to revive national attention to the long-standing but underutilised Social Development Act of 1974 and the Social Development Policy.
According to Udoekong, both instruments are crucial for improving coordination and strengthening the legal recognition of civil society organisations, particularly those working with women and vulnerable groups.
He explained that the goal of the engagement was to gather insights that would inform the reform of the SDA and potentially lead to the development of a new national policy or bill.
Such reforms, he noted, would place CSOs in a stronger position to contribute more meaningfully to social development, given the country’s pressing challenges.
Udoekong stressed that “CSOs were already playing an indispensable role in society beyond the common perception of advocacy.”
On expectations from the summit, which coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, he said updating the SDA will enhance coordination on gender issues, support efforts to address gender-based violence and strengthen responses to other social concerns.
Delivering the keynote address, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender, and Social Development, Hon. Valentina Enih, said the existing Act, originally enacted as Decree 12 in 1974 and later reissued in 2004, no longer reflects the country’s realities.
She said, “The Act is older than many of us. Outdated provisions and emerging social challenges demand urgent reforms.”
She stressed that unity among civil society organisations (CSOs) remained essential for progress, noting that personal interests often overshadowed collective objectives.
“One stick is easily broken, but a bundle of broomsticks is not. We must speak with one voice,” she said, while also appealing to lawmakers to increase funding for ministries responsible for women’s affairs, poverty eradication and social protection.
