Mr. Kunle Yusuff, Director-General of the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has appealed to the United Nations (UN) for accreditation of registered Nigerian civil society and community-based organizations (CSOs/CBOs).
This appeal was made at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during a meeting with the director of the NGO Branch, Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Yusuff stated that accreditation would enhance the capacity of Nigerian CSOs and CBOs to fulfill their roles in climate action advocacy, climate financing awareness, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nationwide. He believes that accreditation will unlock global funding and UN network support for these organizations.
CSCHEI sees CSOs as critical to advancing climate action and sustainable development at the grassroots level in Nigeria. Yusuff commended Nigeria’s alignment with the UN global agenda, noting the inclusion of CSOs in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) through partnerships focused on the SDGs, climate change, the environment, education, artificial intelligence, and security–civil society collaboration. He highlighted the relationship between the Federal Government of Nigeria and civil society organizations in areas such as the Green Great Wall, green environment initiatives, basic education, and collaboration with security agencies.
He also referenced the operational relationship between the Department of Civil Engagement in the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and CSOs as part of ongoing cooperation in national development efforts. CSCHEI has urged DESA to support Nigerian CSOs and CBOs in helping to amplify the grassroots impact on climate action and sustainable development. Yusuff commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the National Committee on Climate Change Awareness, which he said further demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to climate action.
