Empirical Investigation of Donor Influence on Gender Equality Programming in Nigerian NGOs

International donor funding significantly shapes the direction, scope, and priorities of gender equality programming by Nigerian civil society organisations, raising questions about programme ownership, sustainability, and alignment with locally defined gender justice priorities. This study empirically investigates donor influence on gender equality programming in Nigerian NGOs, examining organisations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu. A mixed-method design was employed, with 95 NGO programme directors and senior managers completing structured questionnaires and 30 participating in semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, and interview data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings reveal that 84% of sampled NGOs are primarily donor-funded, with 61% reporting that donor priorities significantly influence their programmatic focus regardless of community needs assessments. Quantitative output metrics favoured by donors displace qualitative transformative goals in programme design. Short funding cycles undermine community relationship building and norm change processes that require multi-year investment. Northern-zone organisations report greater constraints on programme content from donors than Lagos-based organisations, partly reflecting conservatism in donor community engagement norms. Recommendations include longer funding cycles, locally led programme design processes, and collective advocacy by Nigerian gender NGOs for rebalanced partnership frameworks. Keywords: donor influence, NGOs, gender equality programming, Nigeria, civil society