**Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Nigeria's Development: World NGO Day 2026** As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark World NGO Day on February 27th, it's a fitting moment to recognize the vital contributions of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to our economy. In 2025, the Nigerian government took a groundbreaking step by including the country's NGOs in the Other Services Sector of the rebased economy, a move that aligns with the United Nations' recognition of the importance of non-profits. However, this occasion is bittersweet, coming as it does against the backdrop of significant challenges facing the Nigerian NGO sector. The recent exit of USAID and the closure of its NGO localisation programme have left a gaping hole in funding for many local groups. With thousands of NGOs struggling to pay staff and volunteers, and multiple programme and office closures, the sector is at a critical juncture. But amidst the gloom, a beacon of hope has emerged. The Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) has launched the NGO Support Initiative (NSI), a programme aimed at strengthening the weakened Nigerian NGO sector. With funding from Ford Foundation, 17 NGOs from 11 states have been selected to receive N5 million each to implement projects in areas such as education, health, and humanitarian assistance. These groups have also completed a comprehensive training programme on NGO sustainability and resilience. The success of the NSI is a testament to the resilience and determination of Nigerian NGOs. From a pool of 660 applicants, 225 NGOs were shortlisted, each with outstanding proposals and committed teams. It's a reminder that, despite the challenges, the sector remains robust and dedicated to providing essential services at the grassroots level. As the Nigerian government continues to recognize the value of NGOs to the economy, it's essential that they provide a supportive environment for these organizations to thrive. By promoting an enabling environment for development partners to award small grants to local NGOs, the government can help the Other Services Sector grow and flourish. This is a critical step towards unlocking the sector's potential and ensuring that Nigeria's non-profits continue to make a meaningful impact on our development journey. In conclusion, as we mark World NGO Day 2026, we celebrate the unsung heroes of Nigeria's development – the local NGOs that work tirelessly to improve the lives of our people. We recognize the challenges they face and the potential they hold. By supporting and strengthening the sector, we can