The French Embassy in Nigeria has awarded €1 million, approximately N1.8 billion, in grants to 19 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, across the country to promote grassroots development and social impact.
The initiative, under the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC), is now in its sixth year and aims to empower Nigerian CSOs through both financial and technical support.
Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy, said the programme targets key areas such as gender inequality, economic hardship, and community resilience.
This year’s edition marks a scale-up in the initiative, with 19 CSOs selected through a rigorous and competitive process. Each organisation will implement a one-year project designed to yield immediate impact while also building long-term institutional capacity.
The programme focuses on three major areas: addressing gender-based violence and supporting women’s socio-economic inclusion, improving sustainable livelihoods for youth and vulnerable groups, and enhancing community resilience through advocacy and collaboration.
In partnership with Cognito Project-POD Consulting Consortium, the embassy has embedded a strong capacity-building component into the initiative.
This includes tailored workshops, mentoring, and peer exchange platforms that equip the CSOs with tools for strategic planning, financial accountability, monitoring and evaluation, and storytelling for impact.
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“At its core, this initiative is about the people — the women, men, and youth whose lives are being transformed by the bold and compassionate work of local CSOs,” de Seissan said.
Speaking at the event, Ketty Regis, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy, said sustainability remains central to the programme, with the embassy actively working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs to strengthen the capacity of CSOs.
She noted that France’s support for feminist diplomacy has advanced equal access to rights and development opportunities in both France and Nigeria.
“These initiatives reflect mutual learning between French and Nigerian changemakers — from political leaders to grassroots innovators,” Regis said.
She emphasized the importance of building a lasting partnership between France and Nigeria, grounded in shared goals and mutual progress.
“Best practices and strong entrepreneurial spirit can be found everywhere. That is why we are committed to deepening the friendship between our two countries,” she added.
NAN
