Efficient Utilisation of NGO Funds in Nigeria: A UN-Aligned

NGOs in Nigeria play key roles in advancing development and humanitarian goals, often supported by the United Nations. However, inefficiency, bureaucratic delays, and extravagant spending (“exegesis”) frequently hinder impact. Poor governance, weak financial management, and centralised control cause wastage, eroding donor confidence and limiting project success.

To address this, NGOs must align with UN principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Digital financial systems should replace manual processes to ensure real-time reporting, budget discipline, and external audits. Decision-making should be decentralised, empowering field teams under clear accountability, to reduce approval bottlenecks.

Open, competitive procurement must replace opaque contracting to prevent corruption and inflated costs. Strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, aligned with UN frameworks, are vital for tracking expenditures and results. Governance reforms are equally critical: NGOs need independent boards, ethical leadership, and conflict-of-interest policies.

Community participation enhances ownership and prevents resource misuse. UN-supported initiatives in Nigeria, such as UN Women’s Gender-Responsive Budgeting, show how inclusive planning improves impact and accountability.

By streamlining financial management, strengthening governance, and involving beneficiaries, NGOs can minimise waste and maximise results. Efficient utilisation of funds not only ensures compliance with UN standards but also builds donor trust and accelerates Nigeria’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).