Non-Governmental Organization Struggle in Nigerian Democratic System
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53639/ijssr.v6i1.312Keywords:
Democracy, NGOs, Governance, ParticipationAbstract
Democracy is fundamental to any nation's growth, stability, and harmony. Nigeria's path to democratic governance has been complex and challenging, marked by corruption, military interventions, and persistent political instability. In this context, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as vital actors in promoting social justice, human rights, and good governance. This study evaluates the role and struggles of NGOs within Nigeria's democratic system, with a specific focus on Ilorin metropolis in Kwara State. Using a survey research design and a sample size of 155 respondents determined through Taro Yamane's formula, the study gathered data from residents to assess perceptions of NGO effectiveness and engagement. Findings reveal that NGOs must proactively engage policymakers and governmental institutions to influence policy formulation and implementation. However, a minority of respondents (10) strongly disagreed with the proposition that increased funding from government and international donors is necessary for NGOs to function effectively. The study recommends enhanced collaboration between NGOs and public officials to strengthen democratic governance through improved communication, policy advocacy, and institutional partnerships.
Downloads
References
Adebayo, O. (2020). Funding Challenges for Non-Governmental Organizations in Nigeria. International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law, 22(3), 56-73.
Adekunle, A. O. (2024). Public Expenditure and Poverty Interdependence: Evidence from Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences (PJLSS), 22(2). https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.00264
Ajibola, B. S. (2024). From COVID-19 to fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria: Assessing the political opportunities for local grievance. Urban Governance, 4(4), 351–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ugj.2024.12.007.
Abubakar, A. (2020). Non-governmental organizations and democratic governance in Nigeria: A historical perspective. Journal of African Political Economy & Development, 5(1), 65-82. https://doi.org/10.14660/japed.2020.01.005
Adejumobi, S. (2019). The role of non-governmental organization in the democratization process in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Political Science, 14(1), 12-29. https://doi.org/10.4314/njps.v14i1.2
Ademola, A. (2022). The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Nigerian Democracy. Journal of African Political Economy, 27(2), 45-60.
Akintoye, O. (2021). Non-governmental organization and the challenges of democratic governance in Nigeria. Journal of Governance and Political Studies, 7(2), 44-61. https://doi.org/10.4314/jgps.v7i2.4
Akinwunmi, O., & Alabi, O. (2018). Non-governmental organizations as drivers of democratic governance in Nigeria: A review of literature. African Journal of Political Science, 12(3), 50-67. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajps.v12i3.5
Alabi, A. (2020). Democratic governance and the role of non-governmental organization in Nigeria: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization, 102, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.7176/jlpg/102-01
Awofeso, O. (2019). Civic engagement and the role of non-governmental organization in democratic governance in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Sociology, 15(1), 75-90. https://doi.org/10.1111/njs.12103
Ayo, S. (2020). Monitoring Elections: The Role non-governmental organization in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Politics, 15(4), 99-115.
Bamidele, O. (2020). The role of non-governmental organizations in promoting accountability in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 10(1), 55-71. https://doi.org/10.5296/jpag.v10i1.17754
Bassey, E. (2019). Non-governmental organizations and their impact on democracy in Nigeria: An empirical study. International Journal of Politics and Good Governance, 10(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3371231
Bello, M. (2018). Advocacy and civil society organizations: Role in promoting democratic governance in Nigeria. Journal of Political Science and Public Affairs, 6(4), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.4172/2332-0761.1000310
Chukwu, E. (2021). Examining the role of non-governmental in Nigeria's democratic governance: Opportunities and challenges. Nigerian Journal of Political Science, 14(2), 40-58. https://doi.org/10.4314/njps.v14i2.3
Eze, C. (2023). Enhancing Democratic Governance through Civic Engagement. Nigerian Journal of Social Research, 12(1), 77-92.
Ezegwu, C., & Okoye, D. (2024). Political bargaining, religion, and educational development: The Nigerian experience from the takeover of schools from christian missions. International Journal of Educational Development, 106, 103000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2024.103000.
Eniowo, O. D., Kilambo, S. R., & Meyer, L. D. (2022). Risk factors limiting access to formal financing: Perceptions from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operators in Nigeria. The Extractive Industries and Society, 12, 101181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2022.101181.
Garuba, H. (2020). Non-governmental organization and governance in Nigeria: A critical analysis. African Journal of Political Science, 5(2), 56-70. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajps2020.0364
Gondwe, G. (2024). Digital natives, digital activists in non-digital environments: How the youth in Zambia use mundane technology to circumvent government surveillance and censorship. Technology in Society, 79, 102741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102741
Ibidapo, S. (2019). Non-governmental organization and democratic governance in Nigeria: The missing link. Journal of Politics and Governance, 10(3), 66-81. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3369820
Ibrahim, J. (2021). The evolution of non-governmental organizations and their role in Nigeria's democracy. Journal of African Political Economy & Development, 6(1), 32-47. https://doi.org/10.14660/japed.2021.01.003
Iroha, E. (2020). Challenges facing non-governmental organizations in Nigeria: Implications for governance. African Journal of Public Administration, 9(2), 12-28. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajpa2020.0298
Isumonah, V. A. (2015). Minority political mobilization in the struggle for resource control in Nigeria. The Extractive Industries and Society, 2(4), 645–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2015.04.011.
James, O. (2021). Non-governmental organizations and their role in electoral processes in Nigeria. Journal of African Studies, 24(2), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2021.1903342
Mohammed, Y., Reynolds, H. W., Waziri, H., Attahiru, A., Olowo-okere, A., Kamateeka, M., Waziri, N. E., Garba, A. M., Corrêa, G. C., Garba, R., Vollmer, N., & Nguku, P. (2024). Exploring the landscape of routine immunization in Nigeria: A scoping review of barriers and facilitators. Vaccine: X, 20, 100563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100563.
Nwankwo, A. (2019). Challenges of Non-Governmental Organizations in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis. African Review of Political Economy, 16(3), 12-28.
Olowu, D. (2020). The Role of Non-Governmental Organization in Promoting Good Governance in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration, 18(3), 44-62.
Oluwasola, O. (2020). Civic participation and the role of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria. Journal of Community Development, 9(2), 33-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-020-00405-3
Onuoha, F. (2021). Non-governmental organization, governance, and development in Nigeria: An empirical analysis. Journal of Political Studies, 23(1), 49-67. https://doi.org/10.4314/jps.v23i1.4
Opara, M. (2019). The challenges of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria: A governance perspective. Journal of Governance and Public Policy, 11(2), 71-89. https://doi.org/10.20940/jgpp.2019.v11i2.5
Orji, E. (2020). Non-governmental organizations and social justice in Nigeria. Journal of African Studies, 22(3), 112-128. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2020.1741750
Osundare, O. (2021). Non-governmental organizations in Nigeria: A force for good governance. Journal of Political Science and Policy Analysis, 14(2), 20-35. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244021994785
Otu, A. (2019). Advancing democratic governance through non-governmental organizations in Nigeria. International Journal of Governance, 9(4), 55-70. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJG.2019100104
Otu, S. E., Idowu, B. M., Ordu, G., Okezie, B., & Aro, G. (2024). Revisiting Packer's models: Examining Nigeria's criminal justice system in the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 era. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 77, 100663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlcj.2024.100663
Sulaiman, L. (2020). The effectiveness of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria: A focus on governance and accountability. Journal of Public Policy, 12(3), 11-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41280-020-00143-4
Uche, U. (2021). Non-governmental organizations and the struggle for democracy in Nigeria: Lessons learned and future prospects. African Journal of Political Science, 14(2), 101-115. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajps.v14i2.8
Udo, R. (2021). The Impact of Government Policies on Non-Governmental Organizations in Nigeria. African Journal of Law and Policy, 9(2), 65-81.
Ugwuoke, C. O., Ajah, B. O., & Onyejegbu, C. D. (2020). Developing patterns of violent crimes in Nigerian democratic transitions. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 53, 101457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101457.
Wogu, E. (2019). Non-governmental organization and democratic governance: The Nigerian experience. Journal of Political Science Research, 13(1), 24-39. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019836582
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed Oluwatobi Adekunle
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
