By Chris Chikelue
Nigerian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been urged to strengthen their internal systems, diversify their funding sources and build strategic partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability as foreign donor support continues to decline.
The call was made during a capacity-building programme organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Association of Orphanages and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria (AONN) on July 23. The programme encouraged participants to reassess the structure, governance and funding models of their organisations to enhance effectiveness and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the AONN FCT Chapter Coordinator, Mrs. Kiema Ogunlana, said building the capacity of member organisations remains a key priority of the association. According to her, participants reviewed their organisational structures to identify operational gaps and were introduced to practical strategies for improving visibility, monitoring programme activities and effectively demonstrating impact.
Mrs. Ogunlana noted that the training also focused on helping NGOs explore local funding opportunities in response to the steady decline in international donor support. “We equipped participants with practical strategies for sourcing local funding, as foreign donor resources are no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs of the numerous NGOs operating across the country.”
Also speaking, the Senior Adviser at Heal the Youth Foundation, Dr. Robinson Mavis, stressed the need for strong institutional frameworks, noting that sustainable organisations are built on sound governance, succession planning and effective operational systems rather than the passion of a single individual.
She observed that many NGOs in Nigeria are founded on personal commitment without adequate attention to institutional development, making them vulnerable when leadership changes occur. Dr. Mavis urged NGO leaders to adopt a long-term vision by building enduring institutions capable of delivering impact for generations.
In her contribution, the Founder of Silver Lining Initiative, Mrs. Hauwa Abbas, encouraged NGOs to familiarise themselves with relevant government policies and regulatory frameworks while strengthening collaboration with other organisations to enhance their impact.
She advised organisations to regularly evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and to leverage volunteers, pro bono professional services and other forms of community support rather than relying solely on financial donations.
Mrs. Abbas noted that many individuals and organisations are willing to provide in-kind support when approached, even amid prevailing economic challenges.
She also called for greater professionalism in organisational management and staffing to improve service delivery and institutional credibility.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogunlana encouraged organisations working with orphans and vulnerable children to join AONN and other relevant coalitions, describing collaboration as a vital tool for strengthening institutional capacity and expanding social impact.
Discussions at the programme also highlighted the importance of establishing institutions that can thrive beyond the tenure of their founders, a challenge experts identified as one of the major reasons many NGOs fail after the exit of their pioneers. The event featured presentation of certificates of participation to attendees.
Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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