Nigerian CSOs urge UN accreditation for climate funding boost

The General of the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, CSCHEI, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, has made a passionate appeal to the Director of the NGO Branch at the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, OISC-DESA, to accredit registered Nigerian Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and Community-Based Organisations, CBOs, for United Nations, UN, partnerships and funding.

Yusuff spotlighted the indispensable role of these groups in driving climate action advocacy, raising awareness on climate financing, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, nationwide.

He contended that “Accreditation will unlock vital global funding streams and UN network support for these grassroots changemakers.”

CSCHEI DG praised Nigeria’s proactive alignment with the UN agenda, noting the inclusion of CSOs in ministries, departments, and agencies, MDAs.

Key partnerships span SDGs implementation, climate change mitigation, environmental protection, basic education, Artificial Intelligence advocacy, and security-civil society collaboration—particularly the operational ties between the Department of Civil Engagement in the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and CSOs.

The CSCHEI leader further highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to UN recommendations on the Global Agenda, evidenced by nominating CSO, CBO, and NGO representatives to SDGs-mandated MDAs.

These efforts he explained, underscore strong collaboration on initiatives like the Great Green Wall, green environment projects, and climate awareness.

CSCHEI called on OISC-DESA to prioritize support for Nigerian CSOs and CBOs, amplifying their grassroots impact on sustainable development.

Yusuff wrapped up by commending Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu for approving the National Committee on Climate Change Awareness, chaired by the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, as a landmark step forward.