TheCable

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a $33 million initiative to empower civil society advocacy in Nigeria.

The organisation said the programme, which was launched in Abuja on Wednesday, will pay “special attention” to the prevention of child marriage, trafficking in persons and gender-based violence.  

It also said the five-year strengthening civic advocacy and local engagement (SCALE) initiative will enhance the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) and business membership organisations (BMOs) to influence policies and reforms in Nigeria.

Katie Donohoe, USAID acting mission director, said the agency aims to create “a more accountable and democratic Nigeria with more efficient public service delivery.”

“This investment underscores the depth of the United States commitment to strengthen CSO advocacy in Nigeria,” Donohoe said.

“Civic action has achieved significant global impacts in recent years.  People here and around the world are expressing their wish for a stronger, better functioning democracy.”  

She added that the civil society in Nigeria has the potential to support the needed transformational change in the country.

Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, said the initiative aligns with the Buhari administration’s commitment to accountability.

“This activity aligns with the government’s commitment for a more accountable and responsive government to the citizens of our great nation, Nigeria,” she said.

“SCALE could not have come at a better time — when citizens are looking to us to consolidate on the change we promised.”