Key Objectives of the Programme

The programme is designed to enhance both institutional capacity and grassroots impact of civil society organisations.

Core Objectives Include:

Strengthening civil society participation in governance

Improving environmental protection in vulnerable ecosystems

Supporting democracy, accountability, and transparency

Enhancing human rights monitoring and reporting

Protecting journalists and media freedom

Promoting climate adaptation and resilience

Supporting gender equality and inclusion

Strengthening youth-led and women-led organisations

Programme Structure: Three Funding Lots

Lot 1: Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience

Focus Areas:

Protection of coastal, riverine, freshwater, and low-lying ecosystems

Creek biodiversity conservation

Integrated water resource management

Early warning systems and disaster preparedness

Climate-smart livelihood development

Environmental adaptation strategies

Indicative Funding:

€2,000,000 total allocation

Grants ranging from €500,000 to €1,000,000

Lot 2: Enabling Environment for Civil Society

Focus Areas:

Strengthening CSO networks and platforms

Legal and technical support for CSOs

Advocacy for civic space and enabling policies

Capacity building for youth and women-led CSOs

Countering misinformation and disinformation

Support for CSO operational resilience under regulatory pressures

Indicative Funding:

€1,000,000 total allocation

Grants ranging from €500,000 to €1,000,000

Lot 3: Press Freedom and Human Rights Reporting

Focus Areas:

Protection of journalists and media workers

Legal support against arbitrary lawsuits

Psychosocial, medical, and legal assistance for journalists

Investigative reporting on human rights violations

Advocacy for media law reform

Strengthening press freedom frameworks

Indicative Funding:

€800,000 total allocation

Grants ranging from €400,000 to €800,000

Key Thematic Areas Across All Lots

The programme integrates cross-cutting priorities across all interventions.

Environmental and Climate Action

Flood resilience and disaster preparedness

Ecosystem restoration

Climate adaptation strategies

Sustainable water management

Human Rights and Governance

Documentation of human rights violations

Legal advocacy and reform support

Transparency and accountability initiatives

Protection of civic space

Civil Society Strengthening

Organisational capacity building

Network development and coordination

Sub-granting mechanisms for local CSOs

Institutional sustainability support

Media Freedom and Information Integrity

Journalist protection systems

Anti-SLAPP legal protection

Countering misinformation campaigns

Investigative journalism support

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Women’s participation in governance

Youth engagement in civic processes

Inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs)

Protection of vulnerable communities

Context and Rationale

Civil society organisations in Nigeria operate in a complex environment shaped by:

Increasing environmental risks, including flooding and displacement

Restrictions on freedom of expression

Operational challenges linked to tax and regulatory frameworks

Rising misinformation affecting civic engagement

Weak institutional capacity in some regions

The programme responds to these challenges by strengthening CSO resilience and improving enabling conditions for civic engagement and advocacy.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Non-profit legal entities

CSOs established in Nigeria

EU-based organisations

Organisations from eligible partner countries

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Proven experience in relevant thematic areas

Operational presence at state or local level in Nigeria

Strong grassroots engagement

Capacity for project management and implementation

Experience working with local partners or managing sub-grants (advantageous)

Expected Project Characteristics

Funded projects are expected to:

Be community-driven and locally grounded

Strengthen civil society networks

Integrate gender and youth inclusion strategies

Use human rights-based approaches

Address environmental sustainability challenges

Improve transparency and accountability systems

Build long-term institutional capacity

Funding Overview

Lot 1 (Environment)

€500,000 to €1,000,000 per grant

Lot 2 (Civil Society Enabling Environment)

€500,000 to €1,000,000 per grant

Lot 3 (Media and Human Rights)

€400,000 to €800,000 per grant

Who can apply?

Non-profit organisations including NGOs and CSOs from Nigeria, the EU, or eligible partner countries.

Can organisations work in partnerships?

Yes, partnerships and consortia are encouraged, especially with local grassroots organisations.

Does the programme support media organisations?

Yes, Lot 3 specifically supports press freedom and investigative journalism.