His Excellency, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri
Executive Governor of Adamawa State
Government House
Yola, Adamawa State
Nigeria
We, the undersigned coalition of NGOs working in Adamawa State, write to express our deep concern about the recent ban on the activities of international and local NGOs in the state.
This decision has created a significant impact on the provision of essential services and support to vulnerable communities in the state who depend on NGOs to meet their basic needs.
As you are aware, NGOs play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights, providing critical services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid, particularly in areas affected by conflict and displacement. The ban on their activities is not only a humanitarian issue but also a human rights issue, and a clear violation of international human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
We, therefore, urge you to reconsider the ban on NGOs and work with them to address any concerns you may have. By allowing NGOs to continue their work, you will ensure that the most vulnerable communities in Adamawa State receive the critical support they need.
We appreciate that the government of Adamawa State has the responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the work of NGOs. However, we wish to emphasize that NGOs operating in the state already comply with all necessary legal and regulatory requirements. We, therefore, urge you to work with NGOs to identify any areas of concern and address them in a collaborative and constructive manner.
We urge you to create a safe and enabling environment for the work of NGOs in the state, in accordance with Nigerian law and international human rights standards. This will promote transparency and accountability and help to build trust between the government and civil society organizations.
We also call on you to engage in constructive dialogue with the international community to ensure that NGOs operating in the state receive the necessary support and protection. The international community stands ready to support the Nigerian government in promoting and protecting human rights, and in working towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the basic services and support they need to thrive.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely
Garga Foundation
for NGOs in Adamawa State
