In a decisive move to ensure the proper regulation, transparency, and alignment of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and donor organizations with the development priorities of Kano State, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has inaugurated a High-Powered Committee on the Profiling of NGOs and Donor Organizations operating in Kano State.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, underscored the vital contributions of NGOs and donor organizations in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, women and children development and governance.
However, he noted growing concerns over unregulated activities by some organizations, necessitating the establishment of a robust monitoring framework.
The SSG stated that the committee’s terms of reference include profiling all NGOs and donor organizations operating in Kano State, as well as investigating and documenting their sources of funding.
It will also assess the nature of their activities, areas of intervention, and operational methods, with a view to recommending a regulatory framework that aligns NGO operations with the state’s vision and development goals. Furthermore, the committee will propose measures to ensure order and proper regulation in the use of civic space in Kano State.
He added that to effectively carry out its mandate, the committee has been granted the authority to shut down the offices of any organization found engaging in suspicious or unapproved activities and suspend the operations of any local or foreign organization linked to activities that contradict Kano’s moral and religious values.
It also has the power to investigate the funding sources and operational methods of any organization, as well as receive and review complaints from the public regarding suspicious NGO activities.
Additionally, the committee is empowered to lodge formal complaints with security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution of any organization found to be engaging in dubious or unethical practices.
Umar Faruk Ibrahim explained that the committee comprises key government officials and representatives from civil society, security agencies, and relevant ministries.
The Chairman of the committee is Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, while Mallam Tijjani Auwal, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, serves as Vice Chairman. Other members include Air Commodore Salisu Yushu’u Abdullahi, Special Adviser on Joint Security Services; Mallam Ali Bichi, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs; Hon. Nasiru Isah Dikko (Jarma), Senior Special Assistant on NGOs; and Dr. Abba Sufi, Director General of the Hisbah Board.
The committee also includes representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Local Government.
Also represented are the Neighborhood Watch (Vigilante Group), the Nigeria Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Emirate Council, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the National Human Rights Commission, and various religious groups, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam. Barr. Ibrahim Isa Wangida, a private legal practitioner, is also a member of the committee.
The Co-Secretary of the committee is Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, while AbdulMumin Ladan Ajumawa, Director of Development Support Coordination at MPB, serves as Secretary.
In his acceptance remarks on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the trust and confidence reposed in the committee members.
He assured the state government that the committee would carry out its mandate with diligence, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the values and interests of the Kano people.
He emphasized that the committee would work tirelessly to ensure a transparent and accountable process in profiling NGOs and donor organizations, ensuring that their activities align with the state’s development agenda and moral principles.
He also stressed the importance of collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, security operatives, and civil society groups, to achieve the set objectives.
He reiterated that the committee would operate strictly within its terms of reference and ensure that only credible and law-abiding organizations are allowed to operate in the state.
