As the world marks World NGO Day 2025, Sustainable Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES) has called for greater inclusivity, government support, and professionalism in the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector to enhance social impact and sustainable development.
The theme for World NGO Day 2025 is “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future.”
In a statement commemorating the day, SIDES Founder and Senior Vision Director, Musa Abdullahi Sufi, emphasized the critical role of NGOs in addressing global challenges, from humanitarian aid to climate action and economic empowerment. However, he stressed the need for NGOs to evolve with stronger institutional frameworks, ethical standards, and strategic partnerships.
“While NGOs have been at the forefront of social change, we must ensure that our interventions are inclusive, professional, and backed by strong institutional support. True development must be equitable, community-driven, and leave no one behind—especially marginalized groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs),” Sufi stated.
Strengthening NGO-Government Collaboration
SIDES has urged governments at all levels to recognize the vital role of NGOs by formalizing their operations through registering with asiisgnes bodies including Development Management Agencies, Civil Society Coordination Boards, and NGO Support Units.
According to Sufi, a structured framework will improve collaboration, accountability, and access to resources for NGOs, enabling them to function more effectively in delivering humanitarian and development programs.
“NGOs cannot work in isolation. Governments must establish systems that foster transparency, support capacity-building, and create an enabling environment for NGOs to thrive,” Sufi added.
Philanthropists and Donors Must Invest in Long-Term Impact
While funding remains a key factor in NGO success, SIDES highlighted that; philanthropists and donors should move beyond short-term financial support and focus on capacity-building, mentorship, and sustainable investment in grassroots initiatives.
“Sustainable change does not come from temporary relief efforts. It comes from long-term investment in skills development, policy advocacy, and institutional growth. We call on donors to support innovative projects that address systemic challenges,” Sufi urged.
The Path to Professionalism in the NGO Sector
SIDES also underscored the need for specialization, ethical standards, and research-driven interventions to improve efficiency and credibility in the NGO sector. The organization recommended three key focus areas:
1. Specialization in Thematic Areas– NGOs should focus on specific sectors such as education, health, climate change, economic empowerment, and governance rather than adopting broad, unfocused approaches. Excerpt with available capacity and innovative strategies.
2. Ethical and Transparent Practices– Ensuring accountability, compliance with donor regulations, and impact measurement is crucial for long-term credibility.
3. Capacity Building & Research– NGOs must invest in training, policy research, and data-driven solutions to address emerging challenges effectively.
“The future of NGOs lies in their ability to evolve as professional institutions with clear mandates and measurable outcomes,” Sufi remarked.
SIDES’ Commitment to Strengthening NGOs
As a innovative social impact organization, SIDES reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NGOs through:
– Aligning initiatives with Development Goals that include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063 of the African Union and Northern Nigeria Development Goals (NNDGs) etc.
– Engaging in evidence-based advocacy to influence policy and governance.
– Building partnerships with international organizations, academia, and government institutions for knowledge-sharing and capacity development.
“On this World NGO Day, we must reaffirm our collective responsibility to humanitarian service, inclusion, and professional excellence. NGOs are catalysts for sustainable development, and we must continue to innovate, collaborate, and uphold the highest ethical standards in our work,” Sufi concluded.
World NGO Day is an annual observance that recognizes the contributions of NGOs worldwide and encourages stronger collaboration between civil society, governments, and the private sector to address global challenges.
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