50 NGOs endorse Kano’s effort to monitor civil society organizations

Fifty prominent Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have announced their support for the Kano State Government’s decision to establish an NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) Profiling Committee.

This was contain in a statement signed by Ibrahim Hassan Gama and Mustapha Muhammad Chiroma on behalf of the endorsing organizations on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the endorsement was contained in a letter addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through the Secretary to the State Government.

The NGOs, collectively represented by the Kano Patriotic Civil Organizations, praised the initiative, stating that it would help create a reliable database for all NGOs, CBOs, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating within the state.

“The creation of this committee is a necessary step in ensuring that organizations working in Kano align with the state’s cultural and religious values while contributing positively to its development,” the letter read.

The Kano State Government, in response to concerns over the activities of some NGOs suspected of engaging in practices that could undermine security, culture, and sustainable development, has appointed Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, a respected civil society figure and the current Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, to lead the committee.

“The committee will carefully review the activities, funding sources, and operational practices of NGOs and CBOs to identify and address any potential involvement in illicit activities,” the statement continued.

“This is not an attempt to hinder genuine organizations but to safeguard Kano from potential threats, including those linked to terrorism.”

The government cited recent controversies surrounding certain NGOs, such as the Women Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality (WISE), which faced backlash for promoting values perceived as contradictory to Kano’s cultural and religious norms.

Additionally, concerns over USAID-funded NGOs allegedly engaging in suspicious activities have reinforced the need for proper oversight.

The profiling initiative follows a model previously implemented in Borno State in 2019, where a similar committee helped enhance transparency and accountability among NGOs.

The success of that program has inspired Kano’s government to adopt a similar approach to ensure development efforts align with state priorities.

“The endorsement of this initiative by fifty leading NGOs underscores a shared commitment to preserving the integrity, security, and sustainability of Kano as a conducive environment for development,” the statement noted.

“These organizations have pledged full cooperation with the profiling committee.”

The Kano State Government has urged the committee to carry out its work with diligence, fairness, and transparency.