Selecting a Partner for an NGO in Nigeria1. INTRODUCTION: This piece is an executive summary of the processes and steps needed to select a winning implementation partner for development work. It is the first in a series intended to enrich the body of knowledge available on the topic and provide guidance to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) wishing to manage donor funds. Local NGOs provide the vehicle for effective intervention in their areas due to their proximity to local communities. Religious organizations, for example, enjoy a large following, while community coalitions are established by the communities themselves. recipients of funding or support from donors to implement development intervention activities in their community or coverage areas. They are expected to be established non-profit organizations with a strong social network and capacity to support the donor's intervention objective. They should have program experience and track record, with formal organizational structure, management processes and actively managed by their trustees or directors. 1.2 BASIS OF PARTNERSHIP: The basis of partnership between the donor and the implementing partner may include:1. Implement intervention activities at different levels using local NGOs.2. Strengthen the organization's capacity to provide quality social services.3. Guide and grow such organizations to become larger players in the provision of social services.2. SYNOPSIS OF LOCAL NGO ENVIRONMENT: The development sector in Nigeria is very vibrant with many NGOs registering their interest in different areas of social and economic needs. Some organizations are young, indicating a greater interest among many in development work. However, many of them have limited capabilities and therefore require technical support and mentorship to move forward. A good number of NGOs provide services in areas where donor funds are available. This explains why the majority work in the field of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, to the exclusion of other sensitive areas of social need such as economic empowerment, education, drug abuse, etc. the largest branch network across Nigeria, but they lack large-scale intervention capabilities. There is a huge skills gap in the industry. For local NGOs that have collaborated with donor agencies in the past, much of the staff has been trained in different areas, but the budgetary constraints of maintaining these staff, who will later transfer the knowledge gained to others, represent a challenge.