THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Creators: name: Udoyen, Prince
name: Greenresearchng
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Civil society
subject: Nigeria
subject: Democracy
subject: Democracy
subject: Clinical Governance/ethics
subject: Politics
subject: Politics
subject: International politics
subject: Political power

description: ABSTRACT

This study examines the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in promoting democratic governance in Nigeria, focusing on their contributions to the democratic process, challenges they face, and strategies they employ to influence governance structures. CSOs are critical players in the democratic landscape, particularly in emerging democracies like Nigeria, where they function as intermediaries between the government and citizens, advocating for transparency, accountability, and human rights. Despite their significance, the effectiveness of CSOs in fostering democratic governance remains underexplored in the context of Nigeria, where political and socio-economic challenges persist. This research employs a mixed-method approach, with a questionnaire survey conducted among members and staff of two CSOs based in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study explores the historical evolution of CSOs in Nigeria, their current role in governance, and the challenges they encounter within the country’s complex political environment. Additionally, it highlights the strategies that CSOs use to navigate the restrictions posed by both governmental and societal factors. By analyzing the empirical data collected, this study provides a critical examination of the impact of CSOs on democratic processes in Nigeria, contributing to the understanding of how civil society can enhance governance, promote political participation, and address social inequalities. The findings suggest that while CSOs play an essential role in advocating for democratic reforms and promoting social inclusion, their impact is often constrained by political repression, inadequate resources, and limited public awareness. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening CSO involvement in Nigeria’s democratic processes and proposes areas for further research to deepen the understanding of their role in governance and democracy.
description: CHAPTER ONE 

INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Background of the Study 

1.2 Statement of the Problem 

1.3 Research Questions 

1.4 Research Objectives 

1.5 Significance of the Study 

1.6 Scope of the study 

1.7 Limitations of the study 

1.8 Organization of the Study 

CHAPTER TWO 

LITERATURE REVIEW 

2.1 The Concept of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) 

2.2 The Role of CSOs in Promoting Democratic Governance 

2.3 Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria: Historical Overview 

2.4 The Political Landscape in Nigeria: Challenges to Democracy 

2.5 Theoretical Framework for Understanding CSOs and Democracy 

2.6 Empirical Studies on CSOs and Democratic Governance 

2.7 Gaps in Literature 

CHAPTER 3 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 

3.1 Research Design 

3.2 Study Area: Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria 

3.3 Population and Sampling Techniques 

3.4 Data Collection Instruments: Questionnaire 

3.5 Ethical Considerations 

3.6 Data Analysis Techniques 

3.7 Limitations of the Research 

CHAPTER 4 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

4.1 Demographic Profile of Respondents 

4.4 Discussion of Findings 

4.5 Comparison with Literature 

CHAPTER 5 

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

5.1 Summary of Key Findings 

5.2 Contributions to Knowledge 

5.3 Implications for Democratic Governance in Nigeria 

5.4 Recommendations for Policy and Practice 

5.5 Areas for Further Research 

References