Civil society and democratic governance in Nigeria. In Governance and public administration in Africa

Adedibu, A. A., Bamidele, A. H., &  Aliyu, O.A.

Civil society and democratic governance in Nigeria. In Governance and public administration in Africa

Date

2025-04-30

Authors

Adedibu, A. A., Bamidele, A. H., & Aliyu, O.A.

Publisher

Ogun State: Olabisi Onabanjo University Publishing House20

Abstract

This chapter examines the role of civil society in promoting democratic governance, with a focus on emerging democracies such as Nigeria. Civil society, through its advocacy, lobbying, and grassroots mobilization, plays a critical role in ensuring government accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights. The chapter highlights the mechanisms of influence employed by civil society organizations (CSOs), such as advocacy and lobbying, and how they work to shape public policies and engage citizens in the political process. It also discusses the challenges faced by civil society, including government repression, financial constraints and shrinking civic spaces, which hinder their ability to function effectively. The chapter further explores the role of international NGOs in supporting local CSOs and promoting democratic principles through electoral support, capacity-building and legal advocacy. The analysis uses a wide variety of secondary sources, such as scholarly research, and international publications. These sources provide robust evidence of the impact of civil society across various democratic contexts. It concludes by analysing the prospects for civil society in emerging democracies, emphasizing the importance of legal reforms, financial sustainability, and the adoption of digital tools to navigate political challenges. • Overall, civil society remains a critical pillar of democracy, and its continued support is essential for fostering stable and inclusive democratic institutions in countries with fragile political landscapes.