The 2025 Annual Nigerian Network of NGOs (NNNGO) Conference brought together nonprofit leaders, practitioners, and development advocates to reflect on the state of civil society in Nigeria. Held on November 12th in Lagos, the conference centered on the theme “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector.” Through keynote reflections and thought-provoking plenary discussions, the event reinforced the sector’s critical role in strengthening civic engagement, driving accountability, and shaping sustainable development nationwide.
The conference commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Gladys Ihunda the Vice Chair of the NNNGO Board of Trustees. In her address, Dr. Gladys highlighted the crtical role of innovation, collaboration, and robust institutional systems in fostering sustainable development within the nonprofit sector.
The Keynote speaker Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President of Africa at Luminate, identified four key challenges currently affecting the nonprofit sector: shrinking civic space, trust deficits, capacity gaps, and funding limitations. She encouraged organizations to adopt a mindset of “internal optimism” and embrace the concept of lifelong learning as essential strategies for navigating these challenges.
Akinniyi concluded by reaffirming that local philanthropy remains a vital resource for the sector, noting that a significant portion of recent civil society support has come not from international aid, but from local initiatives and contributions.
The First plenary session, “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support through Localization, Local Philanthropy, and Volunteering,” laid out a practical framework for the new era of partnership. The session moderated by Oyindamola Aramide and featured distinguished leaders like Mosun Layode, Executive Director of the African Philanthropy Forum (APF); Solape Fayemi, Executive Director of Sohcahtoa Foundation; Oje Ivagba, Program Director at Ishk Tolaram Foundation; and Joshua Alade, Executive Director of Nigeria Youth SDGs Network.
Mosun Layode of the African Philanthropy Forum (APF) highlighted their work in bridging trust gaps and establishing structured engagement between funders and grantees. This intentional engagement is essential for strengthening the ecosystem for local philanthropy.
Joshua Alade, contributions underscored the vital role of structured volunteerism in national development. Joshua emphasized that effective volunteering fosters community ownership and long-term transformation, calling for more deliberate investment in educating young people on why and how to volunteer.
Joshua also highlighted a major gap in the nonprofit ecosystem: many young people want to contribute, but lack clarity on pathways for meaningful engagement. He stressed that when individuals understand the purpose and value of their contributions whether through time, skills, or service they become more empowered to drive change. His insights reinforced a core message of the conference: sustainable impact emerges when communities are mobilized, equipped, and trusted to lead solutions from within.
Following the first plenary discussions, the conference hosted a fireside chat moderated by Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director of the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, honoring the legacy of Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti. Speakers, including Yemisi Ransome-Kuti and Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado, reflected on his visionary leadership, integrity, and commitment to ensuring NGOs were represented in government-led initiatives. Participants were reminded that the nonprofit sector is grounded in transparency, service, and collaboration values that continue to guide today’s organizations.
The discussion also highlighted that while Nigeria possesses brilliance, resilience, and significant human capital, progress is often slowed by siloed efforts and competition. True transformation, the speakers emphasized, requires intentional collaboration between organizations, businesses, and communities, with a renewed focus on partnerships, shared ideas, and collective action across the nonprofit ecosystem.
The conference continued with NNNGO’s Annual General Meeting, led by Executive Director Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, who provided updates on the network’s initiatives, financial outlook, and strategic plans. He highlighted NNNGO’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s most advanced nonprofit networks and emphasized the importance of compliance with evolving tax regulations from 2026 to ensure accountability, sustainability, and sector-wide readiness.
The event ended on a high note with a Long Service Award presented to Olaife Ilori, NNNGO Communications Officer, for ten years of dedicated service. Otunba Dele Ajayi Smith of the Board of Trustees presented the award, and the meeting concluded with a call to action for all nonprofits: “Keep your house in order. Build systems. Train your people. Structure your organization. The future belongs to well-governed NGOs.”
The 2025 NNNGO Conference reaffirmed that the future of development lies in collective action, shared vision, and the courageous reimagining of how nonprofits work together to build a better Nigeria.
