By Olu Adeniyi, For CSR Reporters
In Nigeria, where government systems often fall short, volunteering has become a crucial safety net. From food banks to election monitoring, young Nigerians are stepping in to bridge gaps. But despite their energy and commitment, too many volunteers operate without support, structure, or recognition.
Volunteers Deserve More Than a Pat on the Back
For many youth, volunteering is a stepping stone—an opportunity to gain experience in a tough job market. But too often, NGOs benefit from unpaid labor without offering even basic support. During a food bank outreach in Bogije, Lekki, I worked long hours in the sun—packing, organizing, and managing crowds—with no stipend or acknowledgement. A similar pattern repeated in Ikota.
Volunteers aren’t asking for salaries, but simple measures like transport stipends, meals, or certificates can help sustain motivation and reduce attrition.
The issue goes deeper than logistics. After over three years with an NGO, I requested a recommendation letter for a U.S. graduate school application—and was denied, without explanation. In contrast, while volunteering with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), I experienced real support—transport allowances, post-engagement follow-up, and even career opportunities. That kind of commitment makes a difference.
Read also: BEAUTIFUL! 8 Inspiring Stories of Volunteers Who Made a Difference
Beyond Service: Mutual Growth
Volunteering offers more than just service—it’s often a deeply personal journey. In Onyedega, a remote community in Kogi State, I traveled by speedboat for over 90 minutes through floodwaters to monitor elections. The resilience and hospitality of locals—despite hardship—was humbling. In Osun State, volunteering exposed me to new languages, systems, and the grassroots pulse of democracy.
These experiences build empathy, adaptability, and leadership—skills rarely learned in formal classrooms.
Structure is Non-Negotiable
A recurring challenge across volunteer spaces is the lack of coordination. At an outreach in Ikota, confusion reigned. No orientation, no team leads—just eager volunteers trying to improvise. When energy isn’t guided by structure, it quickly dissipates.
NGOs must treat volunteer engagement with the same seriousness as any program—complete with planning, training, roles, and reporting systems.
Combating Performative Volunteering
Social media has introduced a performative layer to volunteering—where visibility trumps impact. I’ve seen individuals more focused on photos than service. NGOs must set expectations: impact comes first, optics second. Recognize contribution, not just attendance.
A Local Lens on Volunteerism
Western models of volunteerism don’t always fit Nigerian realities. Here, unpaid service is often tied to family, faith, or community—not institutional NGOs. Long-term volunteerism is rare, shaped by economic insecurity and civic distrust.
To succeed, NGOs must localize their strategies—partner with community leaders, align with cultural norms, and build long-term trust.
Recommendations for NGOs
1. Offer Practical Support: Stipends, meals, or service certificates show respect for time and effort.
2. Train Volunteers: Clear goals and responsibilities prevent chaos.
3. Ensure Accountability: Appoint coordinators, provide feedback loops.
4. Respect Local Contexts: Engage community structures, not just individuals.
5. Involve Volunteers in Planning: Make them co-creators, not just labor.
6. Avoid Exploitation: Be transparent—volunteering is not a job substitute.
_Conclusion_
Volunteers power much of Nigeria’s humanitarian and civic work. But goodwill alone isn’t sustainable. If NGOs want to build a stronger ecosystem of civic engagement, they must treat volunteers as partners—worthy of support, recognition, and investment.
The future of social impact in Nigeria depends on it.