Bauchi CSOs seek regulatory council to curb multiple registration, taxation
By David Ayodele
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Bauchi State have called for the establishment of a regulatory council to address multiple registrations and taxation by various government ministries, departments, and agencies.
This was one of the key decisions reached at the end of a two-day training on self-regulation for 20 CSOs, organized by the Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organizations (BASNEC). The training aimed to strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational standards in the CSO sector.
Addressing participants, BASNEC Chairman Mr Jinjiri Garba said the absence of a unified regulatory framework had created challenges for CSOs. He noted that the forum would enable participating organizations to meet minimum operational requirements and align their activities with global best practices.
He further explained that a regulatory council, similar to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria or the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, if established, would promote unity among CSOs, ensure registration under one authority, and facilitate effective coordination and monitoring of their activities.
According to Mr Jinjiri Garba: “Many organisations are doing excellent work in communities, but without proper structures and compliance with standards, they may face challenges accessing support.”
Also speaking at the training, Barrister Gambo Wakili, a lawyer and Executive Director of We Aid Initiative, urged participants to serve as ambassadors of accountability and ethical conduct by ensuring CSOs play credible and impactful roles in community development.
Another facilitator, Hajia Asma’u Yahaya, Executive Director of Women with Disability, Integrity and Development Initiative (WDIDI), said the training would give CSOs in Bauchi State the opportunity to tackle challenges such as lack of internal accountability mechanisms, interference by government agencies, and issues linked to poor governance in both the CSO and public sectors.
Expressing gratitude to the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI) for its support and to the European Union for funding the training, BASNEC urged the approximately 30 participants to step down the knowledge gained in their respective organisations.
