CSOs raise fresh concerns over AmplifyChange, SCAEF youth programme

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has accused AmplifyChange and the Saracare Empowerment Foundation (SCAEF) of allegedly exposing Nigerian students to activities they described as contrary to the country’s laws, cultural values and family traditions.

The groups, in a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and the Inspector-General of Police, alleged that the organisations used a youth-focused initiative to promote abortion, LGBTQ-related issues and other sexual and reproductive health concepts among Nigerian students.

The coalition claimed that more than 500 young Nigerians participated in the Tapestry Training Project organised between June 16 and 17, 2026.

The organisations alleged that participants were exposed to information on abortion, contraceptives and the concept of bodily autonomy, which they interpreted as encouraging young people to make independent decisions about sexual and reproductive matters.

However, the claims in the petition were presented by the groups as allegations and were not accompanied by independent evidence establishing that the training encouraged participants to commit crimes.

The coalition further alleged that AmplifyChange, which it described as an international organisation operating in several countries, was using local organisations, including SCAEF, to promote what it called a “foreign agenda” in Nigeria.

The groups specifically criticised the promotion of concepts such as gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, bodily autonomy and LGBTQ-related issues.

They argued that such programmes could undermine traditional, religious and family values and called on the Federal Government to investigate the activities of the organisations involved.

The coalition cited provisions of the Criminal Code, Child Rights Act, 1999 Constitution and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in support of its position on abortion and child protection.

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It also referenced the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013, arguing that same-sex relationships and marriage remain prohibited under Nigerian law.

The groups maintained that Nigeria’s laws and policies should reflect the country’s cultural, religious and social realities rather than what they described as the wholesale importation of foreign values.

They also accused AmplifyChange of using issues such as gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy as entry points for broader programmes on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Among the organisations listed as members of the coalition are the Foundation for African Cultural Heritage, Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory, Muslim Rights Concern, Project for Human Development, Abuja Muslim Forum, Global Pro-life Alliance, Advocate for Moral Sex Education, Doctors Health Initiative and Association of Concerned Mothers.

Others include the Islamic Education Trust, Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria, Catholic Lawyers Association, Life Choice International Initiative and Good Parenting and Youth Empowerment Initiative.

The coalition called on the Federal Government to investigate the allegations, including the circumstances surrounding the Tapestry Training Project.

It further demanded the prosecution of individuals found to have violated Nigerian laws and urged the government to expel AmplifyChange from Nigeria.

The signatories to the petition include Dr Segun Adebayo of CAfPRA, Prof. Phillip Njemanze of Global Pro-life Alliance, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen of MURIC, Sonnie Ekwowusi of Project for Human Development and Dr Nkechi Asogwa of the Foundation for African Cultural Heritage.

The coalition urged the government to take what it described as decisive action to protect Nigerian children and young people while ensuring that organisations operating in the country comply with Nigerian laws.