By Sani Aliyu
Professor Abdulhamidu Abdullahi of the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria says a vibrant civil society enriches democratic practice and contributes to long-term stability, and progress not only in Kano and Nigeria but globally.
He stated this in his paper presentation
at the Kano 1st Civil Society
Organisations Conference 2025, titled “Strengthening Democratic Governance through Civil Society Space in Kano State, Nigeria”, organised by Kano State Government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, held at Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano.
The University don added that, threats such as regulatory overreach and divisive tactics necessitate vigilant defence of civic freedoms.
He said to harness this potential further, it is crucial to invest in capacity-building, legal reforms, partnerships, and inclusive mobilisation.
According to him, collaboration between civil society organisations, political actors and the private sector is essential, as a united effort that can lead to meaningful reforms and a more democratic Kano, a centre of commerce in Nigeria.
He said a deliberate and systematic effort by an organisation to ensure leadership continuity in key positions, retain and develop intellectual and knowledge capital for the future, and encourage individual advancement.
“An ongoing process of systematically identifying, assessing, and developing talent to ensure leadership continuity for all key positions.
“Succession planning is a long term process that affects every aspect of an organisation, and the organisation’s leadership should undertake it intentionally”.
Professor Abdulhamidu emphasized that we need new mechanisms for the state to recognize that this space is evolving, and people need new powers. “We should find a way to work with the local governments that will complement their work.”
Also, freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, but it must be in tune with responsibility, truth, and respect for the rule of law.
When media platforms are used recklessly, they become tools of division rather than instruments of enlightenment.
“The components of Democratic Governance include the Rule of Law, Citizen Participation, Responsiveness, Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency,” he added.
Civil Society is the arena, outside of the family, the state and the market, which is created by individual and collective actions, organisations, and institutions to advance shared interests.
While Civil Society encompasses formalized organisations and informal or less formalised groups and individuals.
Civil Space is the environment that enables civil society organisations and citizens to organise, participate in, and communicate without unwarranted interference or restrictions (CIVICUS, 2020).
The components of the civil space include freedom of association, assembly, and expression, oegal and regulatory framework, access to information, funding environment, public perception and social acceptance, and protection from reprisals.
Shrinking civil space is the dynamic relationship between repressive methods and political struggle, including how political struggle responds to these methods to reclaim space.
It is a framework that helps us to think through common trends of repression, including their sources, effects, and mechanisms.
The threats leading to the shrinking of the online civic space take various forms and shapes, and most of it is spearheaded by the government and citizens who have the support or are paid by the government.
