The National Council of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), operating under the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has commended key revenue-generating agencies of the Federal Government for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Council also cautioned unaccredited groups against filing petitions without verified facts or due diligence.
In a statement signed by Ambassador (Prince) Emeka Mgbemere, Secretary of the Council and Executive Director of CSOs and CBOs at CSCHEI, the Council praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for their sustained commitment to transparency, innovation, and operational excellence-factors that continue to enhance Nigeria’s revenue profile.
The Council particularly lauded the NUPRC for its impressive revenue-generation performance, describing it as a model of administrative transparency and strategic operational efficiency.
‘We commend the management of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for the staffing and strategic operational mechanisms put in place to generate a total revenue of ?6.215 trillion between January and September 2025, with a total performance of ?7.554 trillion, including receivables and pending royalty settlements,’ the statement read.
According to the Council, the figure includes ?758.99 billion from NNPC Ltd Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract royalty receivables between January and August 2025; ?730.25 billion from Project Gazelle receipts as of November 2024; and a cumulative ?6.322 trillion in NNPC JV royalty receivables between October 2022 and August 2025. The NUPRC’s contribution, it said, accounts for about 11.4% of Nigeria’s ?55 trillion national budget for 2025-an achievement considered remarkable for a commission established just four years ago.
While urging all revenue-generating agencies to sustain and expand their performance levels, the Council emphasized that these institutions remain pivotal to Nigeria’s fiscal stability and overall economic resilience. It also commended the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for their complementary roles in supporting national financial growth through efficient revenue management and institutional reforms.
On governance matters, CSCHEI issued a stern warning to all unaccredited Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the country to desist from submitting petitions lacking substantiated facts or credible evidence.
‘Such actions not only undermine the credibility of your organisations but also contravene established laws and regulations,’ the statement warned, noting that petitions not grounded in verifiable facts could be deemed criminal under procurement and civil laws.
The Council reminded CSOs and CBOs that the SERVICOM (Service Compact with All Nigerians) principles demand transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in public service delivery-and that compliance with these standards is non-negotiable.
‘Writing or submitting petitions without facts is considered a serious offence, tantamount to committing a crime. It is essential that your organisations exercise due diligence and conduct thorough fact-finding before submitting petitions,’ the Council stated.
As an accredited platform recognised by the United Nations, CSCHEI reaffirmed its mandate to coordinate and promote the activities of CSOs, CBOs, and NGOs within the framework of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
‘We serve as a credible bridge between the Government and the masses, with a presence in 440 Local Government Areas across 26 states of the country,’ Mgbemere said.
He further explained that the organisation’s oversight role involves monitoring the implementation of development goals through advocacy, transparency, accountability, equity, and fairness.
The Council urged the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt homegrown strategies that deliver tangible results for citizens while reiterating the importance of collaboration between government institutions and civil society in promoting good governance.
Drawing from global context, CSCHEI aligned its message with the resolutions of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with CSOs to achieve peace, development, and human rights.
‘The Secretary-General’s message underscores the critical role CSOs play in promoting peace, development, and human rights. Strengthening partnerships with CSOs is crucial for achieving UN goals. Collaboration, transparency, accountability, and partnership are essential for success,’ the statement added.
Reaffirming its alignment with international best practices, the National Council of CSCHEI declared its readiness to support both government and development partners through credible information sharing, accountability, and transparent engagement.
‘In the spirit of the 80th UNGA 2025, the National Council of CSCHEI aligns with global partners to support governments through accountability, transparency, and credible information,’ Mgbemere affirmed.