The blanket ban of activities of local and international Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has affected vulnerable people and communities negatively, a group of NGOs operating in Adamawa state have disclosed.
Speaking on behalf of some critical stakeholders in Yola yesterday, the spokesman of the group, Aliyu Aminu Ahmed the executive director Garga foundation said the government’s action represents an incursion to the fundamental rights of the vulnerable citizens to get timely support.
It may be recalled that in the build up to the 2023 guvernorship election, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has placed a blanket ban on activities of NGOs over alleged political meddlesomeness and vote buying.
“We are here today to address the recent ban on the activities of international and local NGOs in the state, and the impact it has had on the provision of essential services and support to vulnerable people and communities.
“As you may be aware, the civic space in Nigeria has been under threat in recent years. The government has imposed restrictions on the activities of civil society organizations, including restrictions on funding, registration, and operation.
“These restrictions have severely limited the ability of civil society organizations to carry out their work effectively. The recent ban on the activities of international and local NGOs in Adamawa State is a clear example of this trend.
“The ban on NGOs in Adamawa State has had a significant impact on the provision of essential services and support to vulnerable communities. NGOs play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights, providing critical services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid, particularly in areas affected by conflict and displacement.
“The ban has left many people in Adamawa State without access to these essential services and support, with women and children being disproportionately affected. The orphans, the widows, the sick people in villages and hospitals, the people with disabilities and more people are deprived of care and support as a result of this ban.
“We believe that creating an enabling environment for NGOs to operate freely in the state is crucial to promoting and protecting human rights and providing essential services to vulnerable communities.
“We urge all stakeholders, NGOs and INGOs to come out and support this advocacy towards creating an enabling environment for NGOs to operate freely in Adamawa State. The shrinking civic space in Nigeria is a cause for concern, and the ban on NGOs in Adamawa State is a clear example of this trend. Let all work together!
“We Need freedom to Serve: End the Ban on NGOs in Adamawa State,” he said.
