Organisational Overview

About Us General Published February 16, 2012 at 10:54 am No Comments

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

CISLAC is a non-governmental, non-profit legislative advocacy, lobbying, information sharing and research organization. (CISLAC) works towards bridging the gap between the legislature and the electorate; by enhancing lobbying strategies; engagement of bills before their passage into law; manpower development for lawmakers, legislative aides, politicians and the civil society, as well as civic education on the tenets of democracy and human rights. It was integrated as a corporate body (CAC/IT/NO22738) with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on 28th December 2006.

CISLAC’s organizational purpose is twofold. It works to train and enlighten civil society on its role in policymaking, the responsibilities of the legislature, and on existing decrees and issues affecting Nigerians. Alternatively, CISLAC aims to ensure that the legislature at local, state, and federal levels is aware of its relationship within the legislature and with other government bodies, its role in policymaking and oversight, and its responsibility in acting as a voice for the people.

CISLAC’s issues of focus include; budget monitoring, transparency, accountability, anti-corruption, human rights (gender equality, educational equity and improvement, sexuality and reproductive health, children and other vulnerable groups including beggars, pensioners, refugees, and internally displaced persons), trade policy and intervention, security/conflict management, and environment and livelihood. CISLAC’s engagement with Federal Ministries, National and State Assemblies, Local Government Administrations, private sector interests, the media, non-government and civil society organisations, and communities across Nigeria has opened a window through which public and policy officials can interact and corroborate.

GOAL

“To make legislature accessible and responsive to all”.

VISION

“A Nigeria in which citizens are participating in governance; the government is safeguarding the rights and welfare of the people; and non-state actors are providing space for citizens to demand accountability”.

MISSION/PURPOSE

“To increase the legislature and CSOs’ impact in the legislative process”.

 

KEY INTERNATIONAL DONORS/PARTNERS

  • ACTIONAID International
  • Advocacy Forum, NEPAL
  • Advocacy Nigeria
  • African Centre For Leadership, Strategy & Development (CENTRE LSD)
  • Africa Leadership Forum
  • Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Kenya
  • Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE) Nigeria
  • Amnesty International
  • Article 19
  • Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) India
  • Bayelsa Non-governmental Organisations Forum
  • British Council, Abuja
  • Canadian High Commission, Abuja
  • Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Nigeria
  • Centre for Advanced Social Science (CASS), Port Harcourt
  • Centre for Democracy and Development(CDD), Abuja
  • Centre for Democratic Research and Training
  • Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano
  • Centre for Legislative Studies in Africa, Abuja
  • Centre for Public-Private Cooperation (CPPC), Ibadan
  • Centre for Research and Documentation (CRD) Kano
  • Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Abuja
  • China NGO Network for International Exchanges, China
  • Christian Aid
  • Civil Resources Development & Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC)
  • CLEEN Foundation, Nigeria
  • Community Action and Popular Participation (CAPP)
  • Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) Nigeria Kano
  • Conflict Security and Development Group (CSDG) of King’s College, University of London
  • Development Research and Projects Cenre (DRPC), Kano
  • Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Nigeria
  • Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)
  • FRIDE (Spain)
  • Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES)
  • Gender and Development Action (GADA)
  • Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP)
  • GRM International Ltd. (UK)
  • Groupe de Reflexion et d’Action sur les Industries Extractives (GREN)
  • Heinrich Boll Foundation (HBF), Nigeria
  • Human Rights Watch, US
  • Institute for Governance Studies (IGS Brac University) Bangladesh
  • Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna
  • International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos
  • International Republican Institute (IRI), Nigeria
  • ITAD (UK)
  • Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)
  • Justice for All (DFID), Abuja
  • Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF), Delta State
  • Leads – Nigeria
  • Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Lagos
  • Nasarawa NGO Network (NANGONET)
  • National Accountability Group (NAG) – Sierra Leone
  • National Democratic Institute (NDI), Nigeria
  • Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG), Port Harcourt
  • Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
  • Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
  • Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)
  • Nigerian Economic Summit Group
  • NIYEL – Senegal
  • Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI)
  • Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
  • OXFAM America
  • OXFAM GB, Nigeria
  • OXFAM Novib
  • OXFAM Spain
  • PACT Nigeria
  • Pan African Strategic & Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG), Lagos
  • Partnership for Justice, Lagos
  • Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Abuja
  • Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
  • Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Niger
  • REFORMS USAID, Abuja
  • Revenue Watch Institute (RWI)
  • Roseau des Organisations pour la Transparence et l’Analyse Budgetaire (ROTAB), Niger
  • RTI International, Nigeria
  • Social Action, Port Harcourt
  • Stakeholder Democracy Network
  • State Accountability and voice Initiative in Nigeria (SAVI)
  • Support to Reforming Institutions Programme (EU-SRIP), Abuja
  • The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, African Studies, John Hopkins University, Washington
  • Transparency International (Nigeria)
  • TY Danjuma Foundation, Abuja
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Nigeria
  • United Nations Millennium Campaign (UNMC)
  • United States of America Embassy, Abuja
  • WACAM-Ghana
  • West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) (Ghana)
  • Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARD C) , Lagos
  • Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), Enugu State
  • Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Abuja

 

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS/AGENCIES

  • Budget Office
  • Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)
  • Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
  • EFCC, Strategy and Re-Orientation Unit (SARU), formerly Fix Nigeria Initiative
  • Federal Ministry of Finance
  • Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
  • Independent National Electoral Commission
  • National Commission for Refugees
  • National Health Insurance Scheme
  • National Human Rights Commission
  • National Planning Commission
  • Nigerian Debt Management Office
  • Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Secretariat
  • Nigerian Police
  • Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Civil Society
  • Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Millennium Development Goals
  • Policy Analysis and Research Project (PARP), National Assembly
  • Technical Unit on Governance & Anti-corruption Reforms (TUGAR)

 

MEMBERSHIP OF NETWORKS AND COALITIONS

  • Africa Public Health Rights Alliance 15 Percent Campaign
  • Budget Transparency Network (BTN)
  • Coalition for Accountability and Transparency in Extractive Industries, Forestry and Fisheries in Nigeria (CATEIFFN)
  • Citizens’ Forum for Constitutional Reform (CFCR)
  • Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA)
  • Electoral Reform Network (ERN)
  • Freedom of Information Coalition (FOI)
  • Gender and Affirmative Action
  • National Coalition on Affirmative Action (NCAA)
  • National Procurement Watch Platform (NPWP)
  • Nigeria Action Network on Small Arms (NANSA)
  • Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG)
  • Nigeria Gender Budget Network (NGBN)
  • Publish What You Pay (PWYP)
  • Trade Network Initiative (TNI)
  • Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
  • West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
  • West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP)
  • Women In Nigeria (WIN)
  • Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)

 

PAST/CURRENT LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AND CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECTS

 

1.      Budget Process by Civil Society for Members of the National and State Assemblies, Abia State: Sept-Nov 2005 (European Union-EU)

A training workshop was held in Aba, Abia State for State and National Assembly members with the aim to strengthen the conceptual and comparative skills surrounding budgeting in Nigeria. CISLAC, in conjunction with the European Union, deepened legislative understanding of the budget process in Nigeria and enhanced democratic provisions by providing ways to make room for civil society intervention in budget policy, practices, and oversight.

2.      Budget Training for Legislature in Minna, Niger State/Capacity Building on Budget Training for Support Staff of Finance and Appropriations in Kaduna: Nov-Dec 2005 (British Council/Heinrich Boll Foundation-HBF)

CISLAC organized training sessions on budget policy in Niger State for the National Assembly Committees on Appropriations, Finance, and Women Affairs. The workshop chiefly sought to train the support staff of the National Assembly Committees, the individuals who are essentially hired to advise members on policy matters. CISLAC carried out similar interactive sessions in Kaduna State where they provided training and support for legislative aides on budget processes. The project focused on the training of legislative aides to legislators on Finance and Appropriations Committees in Kaduna.

3.      Policy Advocacy Training workshop for NGOs working on Health and reproductive health on the crises of maternal mortality in Nigeria – February 13 – 18, 2006 (Women in Media and Population Leadership Program of the University of Washington, USA)

This was aimed at providing skill for NGOs working on Health and reproductive health and draw the legislator’s attention on the crises of maternal mortality in Nigeria

4.      Multi-stakeholders Session on Public Procurement – March 5 – 8, 2006 (Nigeria Restructured Economic Framework for Openness, Reform and Macroeconomic Stability (REFORMS) (USAID)

CISLAC organized a three-day Stakeholders’ Forum on the Public Procurement Bill with the aim of sensitising stakeholders and advocate for their inputs into the Public Procurement Bill (PPB)

5.      The Role of civil society organisations in public procurement reform – July 19, 2006 (USAID)

Sensitisation and mobilisation of CSOs input into the Public Procurement Bill

6.      National Seminar on the Legislature and Democracy, Abuja: Feb 2006 (Canadian High Commission-CHC)

CISLAC facilitated this seminar with the aim to make the National Assembly more assertive, autonomous, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian electorate. Over thirty individuals partook in the seminar, mainly elected representatives, local and international development bodies, and journalists. Participants discussed the roles of the Legislature, its past and current weaknesses, and ways in which it can improve its standing with civil society. As Honourable Uche Onyeagucha remarked, “most legislators came in with forged credentials, manipulated election results, and are ultimately disconnected from the people”. While ordinary Nigerians are removed from accessing the National Assembly and its members, the legislature remains subservient to the personal and power interests of the presidency and his reluctance to partner with civil society. The forum was thus designed to enlighten members on how to operate effectively alongside the executive and remain responsive to the people.

7.      Stakeholders Forum on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, Abuja: April 2nd, 2006 (Pact Nigeria)

CISLAC organised a stakeholder’s forum at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja on the fiscal responsibility bill, which was presented to the Federal Government at a two-day meeting planned by it between April 13 – 14, 2006 on the matter. The aim was to mobilise popular support and participation in the debate to enhance the passage of the fiscal responsibility bill in order to bring about fiscal discipline.

8.      Media roundtable on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, Lagos: 15th to 17th, May 2006

The roundtable was organised to impress on the media the need to keep issues related to the Fiscal Responsibility bill on the front burner through continuous publicity and enlightenment.

9.      Civil Society – Legislative Dialogue on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, Kaduna: June 3rd, 2006 (Pact Nigeria)

CISLAC organised a one-day civil Society-Legislative Dialogue on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2006 in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committees on Appropriations and Finance. There were five (5) paper presentations on diverse issues relating to the draft legislation by scholars from the government, civil society organisations, the academia and the media. The programme had 75 participants in attendance which includes members of the House of Representatives committees on Appropriation, Finance, National Planning and Justice as well as development experts, heads of NGOs, support staff of the National Assembly and many journalists.

10.    Engagement of Stakeholders on the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative Bill passed by the National Assembly Lagos/National Stakeholders’ Forum on EITI Implementation in Nigeria, Abuja: 2006-2007 (PACT Nigeria & Oxfam GB)

CISLAC organised dialogue sessions between Civil Society Organisations and Federal legislators to exchange ideas and concerns regarding the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative Bill being passed by the National Assembly. A Civil Society media interactive session was also held to create space between civil society and the legislature on the NEITI Bill (June 29, 2006; Port Harcourt). In the same period, CISLAC prepared a National Stakeholders’ Forum on EITI implementation in Nigeria to enable stakeholders to brainstorm on issues relating to the implementation of the Act (July 25, 2006; Jos). Participants included CSOs, extractive companies and communities, MDAs, the legislature, and media. The forum outlined challenges and strategies in overcoming obstacles in order to pave way for compliance and effective implementation.

11.    Building Civil Society Capacity for Effective Project Management, Gender Mainstreaming and Electoral Reforms through Advocacy and Lobbying of Government – March 2006 to February 2007

The project sought to promote institutional independence of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission through Civil Society advocacy. Some result achieved included: Advocacy at the National and State Assemblies for the promulgation of human rights and people oriented legislation; assisted in mediating and resolving disputes arising within the electoral process; engaged in programmes that will strengthen the legal system and guarantee a free and independent judiciary and other democratic institutions; networked with groups and associations with similar goals and objectives

12.    Promoting Civil Society participation & observation towards the 2007 elections – December 2006 to July 2007

The project increased transparency of the electoral process leading up to the 2007 elections and increased participation of Nigerians in each stage of the electoral process. It also led to an increased participation of women, ethnic minorities, youths and people with disabilities in all strands of the electoral process.

13.    Strengthening Civil Society Intervention in the Legislative Process – September 2006 to August 2007 – Pact-Nigeria

To engage the National Assembly on some Transparency and Accountability Bills for Passage in Laws.

14.    CSOs/Legislature Dialogue with the National Assembly Harmonisation Committee on the NEITI Bill – April 11th, 2007 – OXFAM GB

This was in the context of the appearance of certain clauses in the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Bill as passed by the National Assembly by which in the opinion of a critical mass in Nigeria, have the potential to defeat the entire essence of the transparency campaign in the extractive industry. The event has 28 participants in attendance comprising the civil society activists, legislators, legislative staff, funders, heads of NGOs, media practitioners and academics.

15.    National Stakeholders’ Forum on EITI Implementation in Nigeria–April 2007–OXFAM GB

To enable stakeholders brainstorm on issues relating to the implementation of the Act. The forum will also outline possible challenges and map out strategies of overcoming such, to pave way for compliance and effective implementation. Participants will be drawn from CSOs, extractive companies and communities, MDAs, the legislature and media.

16.    Training on Enhancing the Oversight Role of the Legislators on NEITI Audit Process – April – June 2007 (OXFAM GB)

This was organised to so as to develop and put mechanisms of legislative oversight to effective use.

17.    Training Workshop for Civil Society Organisations on their Oversight Role in the Extractive Industry’s Revenue and Expenditure Transparency – Dec. 2007 (OXFAM GB)

To create greater understanding of the NEITI process, establish linkages between stakeholders and to ensure popular participation in the implementation process of the NEITI Act

18.    Capacity Building for Nigeria’s Legislature on 2008 National Budget, Uyo, Akwa Ibom: Dec 2007 (Canadian International Development Agency-CIDA)

The programme was aimed at creating a pool of information that will enhance the input of legislators in the 2008 Appropriation bill with the aim of enabling an efficient and workable budget circle, which will have direct positive consequences on Nigeria’s development challenges. The session trained legislators and their support staff on basic rudiments of democracy, highlighting the principles of separation of powers concerning legislative proficiency, budgeting process, gender equity in budgeting, oversight responsibilities, and constituency outreach and relations. Participants reflected on the 2007 Budget implementation and its gaps, and discussed the implementation strategy of the 2008 Budget. CISLAC educated members and their aids on how to be more equipped in exercising oversight functions, and the roles of committees on Appropriations and Finance in budget implementation. The programme also reviewed the process of identifying critical sectors of the economy for greater attention in the appropriation process.

19.    Legislative Engagement in Northern Nigeria- Nassarawa, Niger, Jigawa States: Sept 2007-Nov 2009 (Heinrich Boll Foundation-HBF)

CISLAC organised multiple interactive sessions for State Legislators, their staff, CSOs, and the media in Niger, Nassarawa, Jigawa, Plateau, Kogi and Benue States as part of an ongoing capacity building endeavour for State Houses of Assembly in Northern Nigeria. The aim of the workshops is to educate these groups on the role of committees in lawmaking, oversight, and good governance practices. With the prospect of increasing the influence of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, CISLAC held training sessions for members on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), constitutional provisions of Legislative Committees, and the responsibilities and importance of legislative aides. The workshop also addressed power relations between the legislature and the executive, as most State Assemblies are in the hands of State Chief Executives, which undermines the legislators’ powers as an independent branch of government. The sessions are intended to address this problem and find solutions to make the Northern State Legislatures more responsive to their constituents.

20.    Interface on NEITI Act Implementation in Nigeria – Jan. 16, 2008 (OXFAM GB)

The meeting is aimed at improving the understanding of roles of each group in the process of implementing the NEITI Act. More than 40 participants attended, including public officers, civil society organisations, journalists, the legislators, Ambassadors, NEITI secretariat representative, funders and other stakeholders.

21.    Capacity Building for Relevant Committees of the National Assembly under the Strengthening the National Assembly Project (SNAP): April 2008 – Oct. 2008 (NDI)

This project increased the capacity of NASS MDGs and National Planning Committee staff and the media for better engagement of SNAP focused issues. The programme was designed to improve the level of productivity of National Assembly members including the planning of pro-poor policies, thus increasing the efficiency of the committees they serve. CISLAC with support from NDI further aimed to increase the levels of oversight through statistical information gathering and shadow monitoring of the implementation of MDGs by the Legislative MDGs and National Planning Committees.

22.    Civil Society Engagement of Government on Oil Revenue Transparency and Civic Oversight of the NEITI Process, Kaduna: June-Nov. 2008 (PACT Nigeria)

The goal of this project was to strengthen the oversight function of legislators on the NEITI Secretariat and extractive industry companies and to build the capacity of at least twenty energy correspondents covering the extractive industries for adequate information dissemination. With assistance from PACT Nigeria, CISLAC also aimed to raise public awareness on NEITI Secretariat activities and other oversight agencies in the implementation of the initiative. Capacity building of legislators, their staff, media outlets, and members of civil society cannot be overemphasized. CISLAC worked with the legislature in Kaduna to increase its role in NEITI oversight and improve the linkage and cooperation among arms of governance, civil society, and the media.

23.    Interactive Session on Budget Advocacy For CSOs In The West African Sub- Region – July 2008 – (ACTIONAID)

This is aimed at bringing together CSO groups involved in budget Advocacy to share experiences and best practices for proper documentation.

24.    Entrenching Legislative Oversight of the State Assemblies towards Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). August – Dec. 2008 (UN Millennium Campaign, Nairobi, Kenya)

This project intends to ensure deliberate legislation and budgetary provisions are provided towards the attainment of the MDGs, also to ensure that appropriate oversight functions are exercised by the legislature in that regard. There were advocacy visits to Kaduna and Plateau States Houses of Assembly.

25.    Converting natural resources into development: Interactions and synergies between EITI and national mechanisms. Feb. 2009 – Apr. 2009 Fundacion par alas Relaciones Internacionales y el Dialogo Exterior (FRIDE)/Oxfam Int’l

To promote the adoption of improved policies and practices for a reinforced transparency in the extractive industries sector that will favour the culture of accountability and the transformation of revenues for oil, gas and mineral exploitation into human development.

26.    Youth Vulnerability and Exclusion in Nigeria (YOVEX). Mar. 2009 – April 2009 (Conflict Security and Development Group (CSDG) of King’s College, University of London)

The aim is to disseminate the key findings of the Nigeria case study, share ideas on the way forward, and kick-start constructive engagement between youth and key stakeholders, including government, private sector and civil society groups. Participants will include Ministers of state, parliamentarians, youth groups in Nigeria and civil society organisation, and representatives of international aid and development agencies.

27.    Engaging the Legislature and NEITI secretariat to Deepen the Implementation of the NEITI Act. June-Nov. 2009 (PACT Nigeria)

The overall goal of this project was to enhance implementation of the NEITI Act in Nigeria. The project also aimed at raising advocacy issues around the NEITI implementation process; strengthening CSOs collaboration with NEITI, National Assembly and agencies on the implementation process; increase the knowledge base of energy/National Assembly correspondents on NEITI Audit process; advocating for adequate funding of NEITI Secretariat; strengthening the oversight function of the legislators on the NEITI process and promoting effective CSOs engagement in the NEITI process

28.    Entrenching Legislative Oversight towards Achieving The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). August – Dec. 2008 and April – Sept. 2009 (UN Millennium Campaign, Nairobi, Kenya)

This project intends to ensure deliberate legislation and budgetary provisions are provided towards the attainment of the MDGs. Also ensuring that appropriate oversight functions are exercised by the legislature in that regard. It also intends to build capacity of legislators on MDGs and mainstreaming the MDGs, especially maternal health, into Political Parties Agenda in Nigeria

29.    Strengthening NEITI Performance. Sept. 2009 – Aug. 2011 (OXFAM NOVIB)

The project intends to scale up NEITI compliance through the implementation of activities aimed towards greater information dissemination and capacity building to key legislative committees, NEITI stakeholders, civil society groups, and media outlets. The organization collaborated with the NEITI Secretariat and stayed informed on their activities in order to know where synergic overlap exists for intervention. In line with its public outreach and capacity building objectives, it is also engaging in legislative advocacy geared towards specific reforms, based on a thorough review of the forthcoming 2005 audit report. In addition, CISLAC also extended this to national Parliaments and CSOs in the West African sub-region (Sierra Leone, Niger Republic, Liberia and Ghana) through advocacy visits with a view to ensuring that Nigeria and other countries with candidate status of EITI in the sub-region meet the validation requirements to attain compliant status. The following programmes were carried out:

  1. Validation Meeting For CSOs Analysis Report On The NEITI 2005 Oil And Gas Audit Report (Abuja)
  2. Training of the media on NEITI (Lagos)
  3. Capacity building workshop on NEITI for Legislators and Staff of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States Houses of Assembly (Calabar)
  4. Advocacy Visits (Kano and Enugu States, Ghana, Niger, Sierra Leone and Liberia)
  5. Town-hall Meetings (Delta and Edo States).

30.    Capacity Building & Civil Society Dialogue- Benue, Kogi, and Jigawa States: Feb. – Dec. 2010 (Heinrich Boll Foundation-HBF)

CISLAC organised multiple interactive sessions for State Legislators, their staff, CSOs, and the media in Niger, Nassarawa, Jigawa, Plateau, Kogi and Benue States as part of an ongoing capacity building endeavour for State Houses of Assembly in Northern Nigeria. The aim of the workshops is to educate these groups on lawmaking, oversight, budget and budget monitoring, public hearing all of which are embodiment of good governance practices.

31.    Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Deepening CSOs Participation on Public Procurement Monitoring in Enugu, Kano and Oyo (Ibadan) States – May and June 2010 (Bureau of Public Procurement – BPP)

The workshop is to promote accountability, transparency and popular participation in the Nigerian Public Procurement system. Also to train non-state actors to effectively monitor, observe and report procurement processes and to advocate for the enactment of a Public Procurement System, at state, via advocacy efforts. To do this, CISLAC in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has successfully organised the training workshop in Kano, Enugu and Ibadan respectively which had a tremendous turnout.

32.    Deepening the State Legislators Role in the Attainment of the MDGS – May – Dec. 2010 (UN Millennium Campaign, Nairobi, Kenya)

To build a strong mass movement for the MDGs with CSOs, CBOs, Faith Base Organizations and MDAs in Bauchi, Kano and Jigawa, CISLAC has organised a workshop for CSOs, CBOs, Faith Base Organizations and MDAs in Kano. This is to further build their capacity on budget tracking of MDGs allocation. It is also to enhance meaningful CSOs participation And Broadened knowledge base and sharing information to the public on the MDGs.

33.    Enhancing Civil Society Engagement in the Legislative Process in Kano State House of Assembly – Apr – Sept. 2010 (Friedrich Ebert Stiftung)

CISLAC organised an Advocacy Training for CSOs and Media Practitioners in Kano to enhance the capacity of civil society organisations for effective engagement of the democratic process with focus on the legislative process in the northern state of Kano.

34.    Strengthening Policy Engagement on Education, Health and Gender towards the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria – Apr – Sept. 2010 (TY Danjuma Foundation)

This project conducted an appraisal and examination of the content of existing policy framework on health education and gender to determine their relevance and their ability to deliver service and meet the needs of the population, especially as it relates to the attainment of MDG goals and targets. There were also advocacy visits to relevant stakeholders on MDGs issues.

35.    Engaging the Legislature and NEITI secretariat to Deepen the Implementation of the NEITI Act – June-Nov. 2010 (PACT Nigeria)

This project has raised advocacy issues around the NEITI implementation process; strengthened CSOs collaboration with NEITI, National Assembly and agencies on the implementation process; strengthened the oversight function of the legislators on the NEITI process and promoting effective CSOs engagement in the NEITI process.

36.    Capacity Building for Legislators And Civil Society

CISLAC has strengthened the capacity of state and federal policy makers, their advisory staff, and key committees in the legislature through educational workshops, interactive sessions, and technical support. The organisation has also created space for communities and CSOs to engage in policy making by orchestrating public hearings, press events, and information sharing sessions across the country. As a result, CISLAC led other civil society to play an active role in highlighting general concerns and recommendations with draft bills, which were then forwarded to the National Assembly.

37.    Enhancing the Credibility of the Electoral Process through Active Election Observation in FCT and Kano State – March -May 2011 (PACT Nigeria)

The ultimate goal of this project is to build confidence in the electoral process and contribute towards a credible 2011 elections in Nigeria.

38.    Strengthening Legislative-CSO Partnership for People Oriented Development – Benue and Jigawa States: Feb. – Dec. 2011 (Heinrich Boll Foundation-HBF)

The overall goal of this intervention is to further deepen knowledge and build capacity of legislators, their support staff and CSOs, strengthen their partnership in ensuring effective representation, establishing a culture of consultation with constituencies and jointly monitoring and evaluating the implementation of developmental projects to promote the wellbeing of the rural population.

39.    Enhancing Participatory Democracy through CSO-Legislature Partnership – Mar–Sept. 2011 (Friedrich Ebert Stiftung)

The overall goal of this intervention is to enhance people oriented development, further deepen knowledge and build capacity of legislators, their support staff and CSOs, strengthen their partnership in ensuring effective representation, establishing a culture of consultation and promote popular participation by citizens in governance.

40.    Strengthening the NEITI Process through Enhanced Legislative Oversight – July -January 2011 (PACT Nigeria)

This project is to enhance the capacity of the New Legislators to effectively intervene in the NEITI implementation processes through improved budgetary provisions to the NEITI Secretariat and effective oversight by an established Committee on NEITI in Nigeria to ensure timely completion and dissemination of Audit Reports and implementation of remediation actions.

41.    Third Phase Sensitisation on Public Procurement Act for Stakeholders in North Central Zone – October 2011 (Bureau of Public Procurement)

The one-day workshop for stakeholders in the North Central geo-political zone as was part of the third phase sensitization effort on the Public Procurement Act 2007. The workshop was coordinated by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and had about 200 participants drawn from CSOs, the media, professional associations and the organized Labour from FCT, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Plateau states attended the workshop.

42.    Multi Stakeholders’ Conference on IDP Protection in Nigeria and the African Union Convention on the protection and Assistance of IDPs – November 2011 (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre/ Norwegian Refugee Centre (IDMC/NRC), Geneva, Switzerland)

The Conference was aimed at examining the plight of IDPs in Nigeria in the light of relevant international and domestic legal frameworks including the Kampala Convention and designing a plan of action for its ratification and domestication, as well as identifying measures for attaining durable solutions to the challenges of internal displacements in Nigeria.

43.    Strategy and Orientation Retreat for House of Representatives Committee on Millennium Development Goals – 21st and 22nd December 2011 (UNMC, TY Danjuma Foundation)

The Committee on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), House of Representatives, the United Nation Millennium Campaign and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) organised a two-day retreat for members of the House Committee on the MDGs. The main objective of this retreat is to expose to the principles and national frameworks on the MDGs as well as the mandate of the Committee in the achievement of the MDGs.

 

ROAD TO THE REALISATION OF THE MDGs

I.       Constructive CSO Partnership with Parliamentarians on MDGs

Aware of the crucial role of the National and State Legislative bodies in appropriation funds/DRG and their active oversight functions on MDGs projects, the CSOs in Nigeria, led by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Abuja, resolved in 2007 to launch a sustained legislative advocacy and capacity building activities on the implementation of the MDGs in Nigeria.

CISLAC targets specific and relevant legislative processes to advance the agenda of the MDGs within such processes. In this regard, CISLAC has organized numerous MDGs awareness activities for members of the legislative at both the states and national levels. Such activities include regular advocacy visits, roundtable dialogue and information sharing on how best to formulate effective decisions and enact laws that would enhance the achievement of the MDGs, promote equity and address poverty in Nigeria.

CISLAC has also intensified efforts in building the capacity of staff of the legislature house committees on MDGs and national planning matters with a view to enhancing their legislative reporting skills and improve on the oversight role of the legislative committee members.

The above constructive engagement efforts have resulted in the following: -

  • In the discharge of its oversight functions, the House of Representatives committee on MDGs has institutionalized a regular interface between the committee, the implementing agencies and the National Monitoring and Evaluation Team (NMET). This periodic MDG public hearing has served as an effective monitoring and evaluation tool for the legislators and other stakeholders. The latest of such interface was the 3-day public hearing organized in July 2010 by the House MDG Committee to assess the level of implementation of MDGs in Nigeria between 2007-2010. The hearing revealed that the MDGs project has gulped N1.04 trillion naira since 2006; and that Nigeria has not only shown the needed commitment but initiated actions and measures to realize the objectives of the MDGs by the target year 2015.
  • Enhanced informed debates by parliamentarians on the MDGs resulting into increased budgetary allocations to critical MDG sectors: – education, health, poverty reduction, agriculture, energy etc.
  • Establishment and commissioning of the MDGs Resource Centre on 27th July 2009 within the National Legislative Assembly, Abuja by the Speaker of the House of Representatives on behalf of the House Committee on MDGs, CSOs and Planned Parenthood Federation International (PPFI) that supported its establishment. The Centre aims at: collating resource materials in both print and electronic forms on MDGs; sharing information and deepening our mutual understanding as well as updating legislators on MDGs implementation progress. The centre is the first of its kind in any parliament in Africa.
  • Formation of legislative caucuses on MDGs at the national and State Legislative Assemblies.
  • Enhanced legislative committee staff reporting skills on MDGs.
  •  Establishment in 2010 of African Parliamentarians Forum on MDGs arising from CISLAC’s 2009 collaboration with the Millennium Campaign that scaled up closer collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on MDGs that hosted the regional consultative meeting in Abuja. The Forum aimed at sustaining campaign among African Parliamentarians on the MDGs.

 

CISLAC has also embarked upon capacity building efforts for NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and media on budget tracking of MDGs allocations.

II.      CSOs in Giving Voice to the Poor, Service delivery and accountability of development activities

MDGs implementation capacity of CSOs in Nigeria can be seen in the following instances: -

  • Promoting Public consensus and local ownership for reforms and for national poverty reduction and development strategies by creating knowledge-sharing networks, building common ground for understanding, encouraging public-private cooperation, and sometimes even diffusing tensions;
  • Giving voice to the concerns of primary and secondary stakeholders, particularly poor and marginalized populations, and help ensure that their views are factored into policy and programme decisions;
  • Strengthening and leveraging impact of development programs by providing local knowledge, identifying potential risks, targeting assistance, and expanding reach, particularly at the community level;
  • Bringing innovative ideas and solutions to development challenges at both the local and national levels;
  • Providing professional expertise and increasing capacity for effective service delivery especially in environments with weak public sector capacity; and
  • Improving public transparency and accountability of development activities, and thus contributing to the enabling environment for good governance.

 

ROAD TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW

In ensuring the passage of the fiscal responsibility bill CISLAC actively engage Legislators, the fellow CSOs and key stakeholders in constructive dialogues on the need for a fiscal responsibility regime in Nigeria. Some of the activities are as follows:

  1. On April 2nd 2006 CISLAC organised a stakeholder’s forum at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja on the fiscal responsibility bill, which was presented to the Federal Government at a two-day meeting planned by it between April 13 – 14, 2006 on the matter. The agenda of this CISLAC organised stakeholders forum was to mobilise popular support and participation in the debate to enhance the passage of the fiscal responsibility bill in order to bring about fiscal discipline.
  2. Between the 15th to 17th of May 2006, CISLAC organised a Media roundtable on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, this roundtable was to impress on the media the need to keep issues related to the Fiscal Responsibility bill on the front burner through continuous publicity and enlightenment. This event took place at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Lagos State
  3. CISLAC organised a Civil Society – Legislature dialogue on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill from the 2nd – 4th June 2006 at the Command Guest House, Kaduna. There were presentations and contributions from participants. At least 75 people attended this parley.

 

ROAD TO NEITI LAW:

In order to come up with a Civil Society position on the NEITI Bill:

  1. CISLAC organised a Civil Society strategic Session on the NEITI bill at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on the 29th of June 2006 with 72 Civil Society, media and women, Non-Governmental Organisations. The recommendations of this dialogue were forwarded to the National Assembly for necessary action
  2. On the 30th of June 2006 CISLAC organised a Civil Society/Legislature interactive session on the NEITI bill held at the Protea Hotel, Rivers State. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in attendance conveyed the recommendations of this meeting to the two chambers of the National Assembly.
  3. CISLAC in cooperation with the NEITI Secretariat organised a two-day parley between civil society and mining stakeholders on solid minerals at the Lamonde and Crest Hotels all in Jos, Plateau State with over eighty participants in attendance. Eleven papers were presented between July 23rd to July 26th 2006.

 

ROAD TO THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW

CISLAC participated in the several processes that led to the passage of the public procurement bill. This involves public hearings, lobbying of relevant committee members, provision of technical support to relevant committees as well as training.

 

LOBBYING AND ADVOCACY VISITS

  • CISLAC has successfully lobbied key members of the National Assembly in order to wield their influence in ensuring that civil society positions are accommodated. In 2006, for instance, CISLAC targeted key players and created public awareness on draft legislation and questionable provisions incorporated by the National Assembly. Such efforts improved the levels of discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management and openness of fiscal responsibility, public procurement, and the nation’s extractive Industry sector in Nigeria.
  • Through such efforts, CISLAC has empowered communities mostly affected by the extractive industry sector, improved the levels of information dissemination, and ensured due process and transparency in the payments made by extractive industry companies to the Federal Government and its agencies.
  • CISLAC has also educated State and Federal legislators, their advisory staff, CSOs, the media, and key stakeholders on their oversight roles in legislation and has reviewed their commitment in implementation.
  • CISLAC has organized dialogue sessions in the National Assembly, Plateau and Kaduna States for House Committees urging leadership to take appropriate steps (i.e. adopting legal/policy frameworks) to meet the MDGs by 2015. Due to success of the program, CISLAC’s interaction with state legislatures on MDG action is ongoing. In partnering with the National Democratic Institute (NDI), CISLAC has also enhanced oversight of MDG support staff and NASS National Planning Committees through shadow monitoring, statistical informational gathering, advocacy visits, and capacity building for legislative members on MDGs.
  • With support from the Oxfam Novib, CISLAC has paid advocacy visits to the government officials and CSOs in Nigeria and some West African countries on the implementation of the Extractive law that operates in their localities and the country at large.

 

PASSAGE OF TARGET LEGISLATION

  • In the second year of operation, CISLAC began the implementation of a project titled, “Strengthening Civil Society Intervention in the Legislative Process” supported by PACT Nigeria through a USAID ADVANCE grant. This project worked to ensure the passage of target legislation – Nigeria Extractive industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) Bill, Fiscal Responsibility Bill, Freedom of Information Bill and Public Procurement Bill – which were passed and assented in 2007 and FOI in 2011 respectively. The project, which started in October 2006, enabled CISLAC and its CSO partners to actively engage with legislators, CSOs, the media, and other key stakeholders on the urgency for reform.

 

PUBLICATION OF A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

  • CISLAC has strengthened civil society intervention by the publication of a monthly newsletter Legislative Digest which has been in circulation for both public and legislative consumption since October 2006. It has been a central medium of accountability, as it monitors the performance of Legislators, and a channel for advocacy on critical issues that need legislation.

 

BOOK PUBLICATIONS

Past and current publications include:

  1. The Legislature and Budget Process in Nigeria
  2. Issues in Public Procurement in Nigeria: The Legislative Challenge
  3. Towards a Fiscal Responsibility Regime in Nigeria: The civil Society-Legislature Nexus 2006
  4. Towards a Fiscal Responsibility Regime in Nigeria: The Civil Society-Mass Media Intervention 2006
  5. Civil Society and the EITI in Nigeria, Vol. I Petroleum
  6. Civil Society and the EITI in Nigeria, Vol. II Solid Mineral
  7. Towards the Legislative Harmonization of the NEITI Bill: Issues and Concerns
  8. Enhancing CSOS’ Participation in the NEITI Audit Process in Nigeria
  9. Strengthening Stakeholders Oversight Roles in the NEITI Process in Nigeria
  10. The Legislature and Democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
  11. Mainstreaming Transparency into the Political Process in Nigeria
  12. Budget Advocacy: Experiences of West African CSOs
  13. Oversight: Training on Role of the Legislature in NEITI Audit Process
  14. Deepening State-Level Legislative Advocacy in Nigeria
  15. Mainstreaming the Work of Legislative Staff Towards Achieving MDGs
  16. Managing Oil Extractive Resources for Growth and Equity – Training Modules for Civil Society Engagement in the implementation of NEITI
  17. CSOs Analysis on the 2005 Nigeria Extractive industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) Oil and Gas Audit Report: An Agenda for Action
  18. Domestication of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Nigeria: Gaps between Commitment and Implementation. A Civil Society Assessment of the Performance of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI)
  19. CSO Guide To Legislative Advocacy On Revenue Transparency
  20. CONFRONTING THE ‘RESOURCE CURSE’ The Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative in Perspective
  21. Increasing Citizens’ Participation in the Legislative Process at State level through Public Hearings
  22. Mobilizing Citizens’ Participation in the Public Procurement Act Implementation in Nigeria
  23. Strengthening CSO-Government Partnership in MDG Implementation at State Level
  24. Mainstreaming CSOs Perspective into the Budget Making Process in Nigeria: A Case of Benue 2010 Budget
  25. Mainstreaming CSOs Perspective into the Budget Making Process in Nigeria: A Case of Jigawa 2010 Budget
  26. Mainstreaming CSOs Perspective into the Budget Making Process in Nigeria: A Case of Kogi 2010 Budget
  27. Policy Brief on Nigeria’s progress Towards Achieving Millennium Development Goals of Combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
  28. Policy Brief on MDGs 4 and 5 on Reduction of Under five and Maternal Mortality Rate
  29. Policy Brief on Quality Assurance in Basic and Secondary Education Delivery in Nigeria
  30. Policy Brief on Emerging Issues Towards the Achievement on MDGs on Education in Nigeria
  31. Policy Brief on Gender Equity and Empowerment towards Achieving the MDGs
  32. National Policy and Legal Frameworks on Education: Meeting the Challenges of Attaining the MDGs and Targets in Nigeria
  33. National Health Policy Frameworks: Meeting The Challenges of Attaining the MDGs and Targets in Nigeria
  34. National Gender Policy and Implementation Framework: – Meeting the Challenges of Attaining the MDGs and Targets in Nigeria

 

PARTICIPATION AT PUBLIC HEARINGS/ENSURING CSOS PARTICIPATION

  • CISLAC and partner CSOs have been visible participants at public hearings to prosper legislative activity. Since CISLAC emerged in 2005, it has mobilized and worked with CSOs and media personnel on certain pieces of legislation such as the Public Procurement Bill. Public hearings have been successful in engaging members of civil society in advocacy efforts, increasing awareness on policy and legislative business, pressurizing lawmakers to act, and urging greater public participation in policy matters.

 

MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

  • In all political undertakings, CISLAC has made a deliberate and conscious effort to mainstream media into all programmes carried out by the organization.
  • Paying visits to media executives, houses, and individual journalists to inform them on important legislation being discussed and to attain their support on key issues CISLAC is working on has been a successful strategy in increasing public enlightenment and placing pressure on government.
  • CISLAC submits regular press statements and organizes press conferences to sustain media engagement in its work. Electronic and print media have always been responsive and supportive of CISLAC’s efforts in policy implementation and intervention.

 

STRUCTURE

CISLAC in its efforts to deepen its engagement on issues and impact positively by ensuring that civil society views are adequately inputted in public policies, has defined governance structure. At foundation, some key allies who are well grounded in development issues and are currently at the decision making level in their organisations were consulted and accepted to serve on both the Board and Advisory Council of the organisation.

 

i.       Board of Trustees:

This is the policy-making organ of the organization. Its approves the budget of the organization, provides contacts for operational funds and support the operation of the secretariat

  1. Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
  2. Mr. Adesina Oke
  3. Mr. Adagbo Onoja
  4. Mr. Y. Z Y’au
  5. Ms. Nkoyo Toyo
  6. Mr. Emma Ezeazu
  7. Ms. Hadiza Kangiwa

 

ii.      Advisory Council:

This provides advisory functions to the organization. It consists of people of vast and extensive legislative and political experience.

  • Hon. Uche Onyeaguocha
  • Hon. Binta Garba (Ms.)
  • Prof. Okey Ibeanu
  • Dr. Kole Shetimma
  • Prof. Sam Egwu
  • Dr. Abubakar Momoh
  • Chom Bagu
  • Gen. Ishola Williams (rtd)
  • Bilikisu Yusuf (Ms.)
  • Dr. Afia Zakiya (Ms)
  • Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan
  • Halima Ben Umar (Ms.)
  • Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye (Ms.)
  • Dr. Julie Sanda (Ms.)
  • Bukhari Bello

 

iii.     Secretariat:

The Secretariat is vested with the day-to-day running of the organization. It implements the decisions of the Board of Trustees. It is headed by an Executive Director who oversees the day-to-day running of the organisation while a Senior Program Officer oversees programmes implementation along with other programme staff.

 

Head Office: Abuja

Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)      -           Executive Director

Kolawole Banwo                                  -           Policy and Legislative Advocacy Officer

Mrs. Uche Hilary Ogbonna                 -           Legal and Legislative Advocacy Officer

Mrs. Hauwa’u Bin Abdallah               -           Admin Officer

Ms. Abimbola S. Okoilu                       -           Assistant Program Officer/Secretary

Ms. Chioma Blessing Kanu                -           Program Officer (Gender)

Mrs. Oronsaye Annabel                      -           Program Officer (MDGs)

Ms. Abiodun Oladipupo                      -           Office Assistant

Mrs. Olatunji Bidemi                          -           Intern

Ms. Emily Chukwu                              -           Intern

Mr. Edem Bassey                                -           Intern

Mrs. Sarah Daniel Iliya Enudi            -           Intern

Ms Ibiam Oluchi                                  -           Intern

Ms. Rahila Garba Lassa                     -           Intern

Ms. Josephine Alabi                            -           Resident Volunteer

Ezenwa Nwagwu                                 -           Resident Volunteer

Odoh Diego Okenyodo             -           Editorial Consultant

 

Regional office: Kano

Mujtaba Ali Mohammed                      -           Programme Officer

Abdulaziz Ahmad Abdulaziz                -           Communication/Programme Officer

 

  • International Liaison

Olly Owen (UK)

Morten Hagen (UK)

Tobias Eigen (USA)

Miró Baz Luis-Carlos (Brussels)

 

CONTACT ADDRESS:

 

HEAD OFFICE:

NO. 7 Mahatma Gandhi Street,

Plot 208, Shehu Shagari Way,

by Bulet Garden, Asokoro,

Abuja-Nigeria

GSM: 234-08033844646, 07034118266

Email: info@cislacnigeria.org, cislacnationalassembly@yahoo.com

Website: www.cislacnigeria.org

 

REGIONAL OFFICE:

No. 110, ALYUMA House,

Maiduguri Road,

Kano, Kano State.

GSM: 234-07064016626

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*


× three = 18

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>