Borno Govt Seals NGO Office
By Dauda Iliya
The Borno State Government has sealed the office premises of a non governmental organisation, iMMAP France, for illegally operating in the state with immediate effect.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Internal Security, ministry for Information and Internal Security says the organisation has been operating in the state without registration and authorisation by the relevant government agencies.
It explains that that the state government will no longer condone illegal operations of non-governmental organisations.
‘After thorough investigation and subsequent confirmation from relevant authorities that an NGO iMMAP France has been illegally operating in the state, Borno State Government hereby wishes to inform the general public that the the office premises of the organisation in Borno field office has been sealed with immediate effect ” the statement says.
While acknowledging the humanitarian support of all legally-registered and rule-compliant non-governmental organizations operating in the State, the statement however notes that Borno state Government operates a zero-tolerance against erring entities.
The Directorate added that the action taken is to ensure compliance with the law and regulations governing humanitarian activities.
“the Borno State Agency for the Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response under section 9 (6)(7)(a)(b) which states “No Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) may operate within the state without being duly registered and certificate issued may be cancelled or suspended upon satisfactory confirmation”.
It called on security agencies to ensure no any activity is being carried out by iMMAP France or its representatives within the state.
The Directorate advise all civil society organisations working in the State to conform strictly with the legal framework for the non-governmental and humanitarian services sector in the state.
