Maelezo

EuropeAid/186246/DD/ACT/NG

Programme Overview

The European Commission has launched a restricted Call for Proposals under the NDICI Civil Society Organisations and NDICI Human Rights thematic programmes. The call aims to strengthen the role of civil society in governance, human rights, democracy, environmental protection, and civic participation across Nigeria.

The overall objective is to support the civil society sector to actively engage in governance and development processes, while contributing to the protection and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law.

The call is structured around three thematic lots, each targeting specific priorities and intervention areas.

Funding Available

The total indicative budget for the call is EUR 3.8 million, distributed as follows:

• Lot 1 – Environmental Preservation and Protection of Coastal/Riverine Areas: EUR 2 million
• Lot 2 – Promoting an Enabling Environment for CSOs: EUR 1 million
• Lot 3 – Press Freedom and Investigative Reporting on Human Rights: EUR 800,000

Grant sizes vary by lot:

Lot	Minimum Grant	Maximum Grant
Lot 1	EUR 500,000	EUR 1,000,000
Lot 2	EUR 500,000	EUR 1,000,000
Lot 3	EUR 400,000	EUR 800,000

EU funding may cover between 50% and 90% of eligible project costs. For Lot 3, full financing may be possible if adequately justified.

Priority Areas

Lot 1: Environmental Preservation and Protection of Coastal and Riverine Areas

Projects should contribute to environmental resilience and climate adaptation in vulnerable coastal and riverine communities. Priority themes include:

• Environmental protection of low-lying and waterfront areas
• Creek biodiversity conservation
• Integrated water resource management
• Early warning systems and disaster preparedness
• Climate-smart livelihoods and income generation

Lot 2: Promoting an Enabling Environment for CSOs

Projects should strengthen the operating environment and institutional capacities of civil society organisations, particularly youth- and women-led organisations. Priorities include:

• Technical and legal support for CSOs
• Advocacy for civic space and enabling policies
• Strengthening CSO networks and platforms
• Capacity building for youth and women-focused organisations
• Countering misinformation and disinformation targeting civil society

Lot 3: Press Freedom and Investigative Reporting on Human Rights

Projects should protect journalists and support independent reporting on human rights issues. Priority themes include:

• Documentation of human rights violations
• Legal, psychosocial and medical support to journalists
• Protection against strategic lawsuits and harassment
• Support to women journalists facing gender-based threats
• Media law reform and advocacy

Cross-Cutting Requirements

All proposals should demonstrate integration of:

• Gender equality and social inclusion
• Climate change adaptation
• Participation of internally displaced persons and vulnerable groups
• Human Rights-Based Approaches (HRBA)
• Do No Harm principles

The call particularly encourages actions that engage women, youth, grassroots organisations, and communities located in underserved rural areas.

Eligibility Requirements

The lead applicant must:

• Be a legal, non-profit organisation
• Be established in an EU Member State, Nigeria, or another eligible country under NDICI regulations
• Have documented experience in the thematic area of the selected lot
• Operate at state or local government level in Nigeria, or partner with organisations that do
• Submit applications together with at least one Nigerian co-applicant (maximum two co-applicants)

All co-applicants must be Nigerian organisations established and operating in Nigeria.

Experience managing sub-grants of up to EUR 60,000 is considered an advantage.

Project Duration

Projects must have a duration of:

• Minimum: 24 months
• Maximum: 36 months

Activities must be implemented in Nigeria. For Lot 1, projects should specifically focus on coastal and riverine areas.

Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)

Applicants may provide sub-grants to local organisations and community groups. Financial support may generally reach up to EUR 30,000 per beneficiary, although higher amounts may be justified where necessary.

The call strongly encourages capacity-building approaches linked to sub-granting, including mentoring, coaching, training, and technical assistance.

Ineligible Activities

The following are not eligible:

• Stand-alone conferences or workshops
• Individual scholarships
• Actions supporting political parties
• Religious proselytising activities
• Retroactive financing of existing projects
• Activities that discriminate against individuals or groups
• Actions that may violate human rights or cause significant environmental harm

Application Process

This is a restricted call for proposals with a two-stage application process:

Stage 1 – Concept Note Submission
Applicants submit a Concept Note outlining the proposed action, objectives, methodology, and estimated budget.

Stage 2 – Full Application
Only pre-selected applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application, including a detailed budget and supporting documentation.

Applications must be submitted through the European Commission’s PROSPECT system. Registration in PADOR and the European Commission Participant Register is mandatory.

Deadline

• Concept Note Submission Deadline: 25 June 2026, 23:59 (Brussels time)