JIMETA, Yola — The Nigeria Local Coalition Accelerator (NLCA) has announced plans to host a high-level national dialogue aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s localisation and development agenda through the Nigeria Localisation Donor Roundtables 2025.
Speaking during a press conference at the organisation’s secretariat in Jimeta, Adamawa State, the Coordinator of the NLCA, Sir Amb. Richard Akase Inyamkume, said the roundtables will hold in Lagos on November 11 and Abuja on November 13, under the theme “Local Power, Global Impact.”
According to him, the two events—organised with technical support from the Warande Advisory Foundation (Kenya) and The Share Trust Inc. (USA)—will bring together local civil society groups, government officials, United Nations agencies, corporate leaders, and donors to promote a fairer, inclusive, and sustainable development system for Nigeria.
Sir Inyamkume explained that the NLCA serves as a pioneering platform uniting nine dynamic Nigerian civil society organisations committed to ensuring that development is driven by local actors who understand the needs of their communities.
He noted that despite being “the first responders and last-mile implementers,” Nigerian community-based organisations still receive less than 20 percent of total humanitarian and development funding, a situation that hampers progress and sustainability.
“The imbalance in funding, policy influence, and decision-making between international and local actors continues to slow progress, reduce efficiency, and limit sustainability,” he said.
He added that the NLCA’s pilot projects in Adamawa State have already shown the benefits of local ownership through Joint Action Plans (JAPs), which have deepened community participation, improved service delivery, and strengthened accountability mechanisms.
“These experiences reaffirm one truth: when local actors lead, communities thrive,” he emphasized.
The Nigeria Localisation Donor Roundtables 2025, Sir Inyamkume said, will serve as a bridge between community innovators and funding partners, including ministries, UN agencies, bilateral donors, corporate CSR leaders, and philanthropic foundations.
He noted that the Lagos Roundtable, which will take place at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, will explore how corporate social responsibility (CSR), philanthropy, and impact investing can support community systems and accelerate local growth.
Meanwhile, the Abuja Roundtable, slated for the Abuja Continental Hotel, will focus on aligning government policies and funding frameworks with the principles of localisation to strengthen national ownership and accountability.
“These events will advance a collective agenda—to ensure that resources, trust, and leadership flow to where they are needed most: the local level,” he said.
According to the NLCA Coordinator, the roundtables aim to:
- Raise awareness about NLCA’s localisation model and its results.
- Mobilise financial, technical, and strategic commitments for locally led programmes.
- Foster partnerships among government, development agencies, corporate CSR units, and civil society.
- Position NLCA as a credible national platform for transparent resource management.
- Align donor interventions with Nigeria’s development and humanitarian priorities.
He disclosed that the coalition expects to mobilise ₦5.5 billion (about USD 5 million) in seed funding over the next three to five years to expand its pilot projects across Nigeria.
“The goal is to benefit over 60 local organisations and establish at least five long-term partnerships between NLCA, government agencies, and the private sector,” Sir Inyamkume revealed.
A Donor–NLCA Working Group will also be set up to sustain coordination, monitor results, and ensure continuous learning beyond the roundtables.
Sir Inyamkume stressed that the events come at a time when Nigeria needs stronger local action to address poverty, inequality, and humanitarian challenges.
He noted that the Federal Government has continued to promote localisation in policy implementation, and the NLCA seeks to complement those efforts by linking national priorities with grassroots initiatives.
“We cannot build sustainable solutions by overlooking those who live and work closest to the challenges,” he said.
“In partnership with UN agencies, development partners, corporate CSR units, and philanthropic institutions, we can demonstrate that localisation is not merely a theory—it is the pathway to sustainable, homegrown development.”
The NLCA Coordinator used the occasion to call on all stakeholders to work together in strengthening Nigeria’s development ecosystem.
He appealed to the Federal Government to deepen collaboration to institutionalise localisation within national frameworks and ensure that resources reach the grassroots.
To UN agencies and development partners, he urged continued trust and direct engagement with credible local organisations.
“To the business community and corporate CSR leaders, we encourage you to view localisation not just as philanthropy but as a strategic investment—one that builds resilient communities, strengthens your brand, and contributes to Nigeria’s long-term growth,” he said.
Sir Inyamkume also extended an invitation to faith-based groups and private donors to partner with NLCA in creating what he described as “a shared legacy of empowerment, accountability, and transformation.”
He acknowledged the critical role of the media in amplifying the voices of local actors and shaping public awareness around Nigerian-led development.
As the country prepares for the Lagos and Abuja Roundtables, the NLCA chief reaffirmed that localisation represents a shift from dependency to ownership.
“Localisation is not a slogan—it is a movement toward dignity, ownership, and lasting impact,” he declared.
“When Nigerian organisations lead, communities rise. When communities rise, nations prosper.”
He thanked all partners—including Warande Advisory Foundation (Kenya) and The Share Trust Inc. (USA)—for their support and commitment to the localisation agenda.
The Nigeria Localisation Donor Roundtables 2025 will hold as follows:
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