The French Embassy in Nigeria has donated €1 million (N1.8 billion) to 19 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across the country to advance grassroots development, particularly in tackling gender inequality, economic vulnerability, and conflict resolution.
Now in its sixth year, the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC) is part of a strategic partnership between France and Nigerian CSOs to drive transformative local initiatives.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy, Bertrand de Seissan, said the selected CSOs underwent a rigorous and competitive selection process, with each project receiving a one-year grant to deliver measurable impact while also strengthening internal systems.
He said the fund is to assist grassroot development in Nigeria, saying the French government has no plan to impose foreign agenda on the country.
He explained that the three focal areas for this year’s funding include combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s socio-economic integration; fostering sustainable livelihoods for youth and vulnerable groups; and strengthening community resilience through advocacy and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
In collaboration with the Cognito Project-POD consulting Consortium, the programme embeds a robust capacity-building component.
He said: “Through tailored workshops, coaching, and peer exchange platforms, CSOs will gain essential tools for strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, financial accountability, and impact storytelling.
“At its core, this initiative is about the people , the women, men, and youth whose lives are being transformed by the bold and compassionate projects led by local CSOs,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy, Ketty Regis, noted that the embassy is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative through institutional capacity-building.
Regis added that the programme aligns with France’s feminist diplomacy and commitment to advancing equal access to rights and opportunities.
Regis added that the initiatives are the results of mutual learning between French and Nigerian actors of change, whether at institutional level with political commitment, the ministry or community-based solutions to collective challenges