CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATION CONTRIBUTIONS/PERFORMANCE TO THE SUSTIANABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF CIVILSOCIETY COALITIONON SUSTIANABLE DEVELOPMENT)

# ABSTRACT This study examined the contributions and performance of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, with particular reference to the Civil Society Coalition on Sustainable Development. The research was motivated by the growing recognition of CSOs as key actors in development, yet the persistent challenges they face in effectively contributing to sustainable development objectives in the Nigerian context. The study adopted a survey research design, with a sample size of sixty (60) respondents drawn from civil society organizations operating within Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, and Chi-square statistical tools to test four formulated hypotheses. The findings revealed that civil society organizations contribute significantly to promoting sustainable development goals through advocacy, public awareness, capacity building, monitoring and accountability, and direct service delivery. However, the study also identified major challenges confronting CSOs, including inadequate funding, limited government support and partnership, legal and regulatory barriers, disconnection from rural communities, lack of unity among CSOs, corruption and personal enrichment, and limited technical skills for effective advocacy. The study further established that there are synergies between CSOs and government institutions in efforts towards achieving the SDGs, and that civil society organizations are recognized as stakeholders in the implementation of sustainable development goals in Nigeria. The Chi-square analysis confirmed all four alternative hypotheses, rejecting the null hypotheses. The study concluded that CSOs play a vital and indispensable role in Nigeria's sustainable development agenda. However, for CSOs to realize their full potential as agents of sustainable development, there is need for strengthened collaboration with government, enhanced capacity building, sustainable funding mechanisms, and greater inclusivity of marginalized communities. The study recommended that government should create an enabling environment for CSOs through supportive policies, that CSOs should strengthen collaboration and networking among themselves, invest in capacity building, embrace technological innovations, and maintain long-term commitment to sustainable development initiatives.