Dr Mubarak Adekilekun of the Department of Business Law, University of Ilorin, has advised Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Nigeria to always adhere strictly to the code of conduct guiding their operations in the country.
Adekilekun, who teaches at the Faculty of Law of the university, gave the advice on Thursday at a one-day capacity building on strengthening regulatory compliance for NGOs, civil society organisations, and faith based organisations in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the late Justice Mustapha Akanbi Foundation in Ilorin.
In his paper presentation entitled: “Legal and Corporates Government Compliance”, the legal expert said it was imperative for NGOs to subject their operations to the provisions of existing laws.
He stated that some of the NGOs have been observed to be in breach of the extant laws regulating their operations.
Adekilekun therefore urged the NGOs not to relent on their responsibility of ensuring that they work together to better the lots of the society within which they exist.
He observed that NGOs by law are not profit making organisations, but that some indulge in sharp practices contrary to the code of conduct.
The legal expert recommended for check and balance in such a situation to curb their excesses.
“Civil society organisations need to come together to champion good cause. In doing this, the responsible ones among them should ensure to expose those who are engage in unethical practices,” he urged.
Also in his presentation, Alhaji Moshood Olesin, the Deputy Director, Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, advised NGOs to always carry out their activities in such a way that government won’t have to clampdown on them.
Olesin, who spoke on “Administrative Compliance”, pointed out that there shouldn’t be conflict between the government and civil societies, adding that government and NGOs should be partners in progress.
He however advised them against destructive criticism of government activities, instead of embarking on constructive criticism.
In her remark, Mrs Folashade Aransiola, the Consultant to Mustapha Akanbi Foundation, explained that the programme was organised to strengthen framework and synergy amongst civil society organisations in Kwara. (NAN)
