By Amaka Madu
Global Rights recently organized a 2-day training on Non-Profit Regulatory Compliance for members of the Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening, with support from the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS (EU Commission). The training took place in Awka and featured resource persons who lectured on regulations governing non-profit organizations, including corporate governance, taxation, pensions, and anti-money laundering.
These regulations included the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), Anti-Money Laundering Act, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)/State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS), and the Pensions Act. In his opening speech, Mr. Damilola Decker, Program Officer, Civic Space Strengthening at Global Rights, emphasized the need for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to strengthen their capacity to bridge the gap between the people and the government, promoting accountability and a more favorable environment.
Mr. Decker called on CSOs to abide by the laws and regulations governing the registration of non-profit organizations, stressing that all corporate companies in Nigeria must be incorporated. The training featured lead trainers from various establishments, including Rachel Yohanna, National Steering Committee Member, COP on Civic Space Strengthening; Mr. Salisu Abubakar, Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); Mr. Alfred Lortyaver, Tax Consultant; and Eberechukwu Ezekigbo from the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service.
Participants were drilled on the registration and sustainability of non-profit organizations, including tax matters. In her opening remarks, Yohanna Rachel, Chairman of the Steering Committee of Anambra State Community of Practice, commended Global Rights for creating an enabling environment for CSOs in the state to identify their role in bridging the gap between the government and the people. She encouraged her colleagues to be more proactive in their activities within the state to achieve their goals.