(a) Define civil society. (b) Outline six impediments to the effectiveness of civil societies in Nigeria.

Answer Details

(a) Definition of civil society

A civil society is a group of citizens or voluntary organisations, separate from the government and formed to promote the interest, welfare and rights of the people, and to hold the government accountable. Examples include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights groups and community-based associations.

(b) Six impediments to the effectiveness of civil societies in Nigeria

1. Inadequate funding: Many civil society groups lack the financial resources needed to carry out their activities effectively.
2. Government interference and intimidation: Government sometimes harasses, arrests or suppresses activists, limiting their operations.
3. Corruption within the groups: Some leaders of civil society organisations are corrupt and can be compromised or bribed by government.
4. Ethnic and religious differences: Divisions along tribal and religious lines weaken unity and the collective voice of these groups.
5. Illiteracy and ignorance: A large section of the population is unaware of the roles of civil societies and therefore does not support them.
6. Poor leadership and internal disunity: Personality clashes, rivalry and lack of continuity in leadership reduce their effectiveness.