1. Project Overview

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) implemented the project, “Mobilising and Catalysing Citizens’ Voice for Accountable Election and Governance in Nigeria,” to strengthen citizens’ ability to demand transparency, accountability and anti-corruption commitments from political actors and public institutions, particularly in the context of the 2023 general elections. The project sought to amplify independent citizen voices, promote informed electoral choices, encourage public scrutiny of government actions and strengthen the participation of young people, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other underserved groups in governance.

The project combined public communication, community mobilisation, media engagement, investigative reporting, creative expression, capacity development and advocacy. It worked with a network of 24 social influencers and organisations across Nigeria, including journalists, broadcasters, social media creators, poets, artists, theatre practitioners, researchers and civil society actors. Partners used traditional and digital platforms to make accountability issues accessible and encourage citizens to take action.

2. Major Interventions

Citizen awareness, media and public communication

CITAD and its partners used radio, television, online media, podcasts, newspapers, social media, short films, animations, poetry and theatre to explain corruption and its effects, promote responsible electoral choices and encourage citizens to question public spending and service delivery. Examples included the IDEAs radio series, which produced 46 episodes on integrity, democracy, ethics and accountability; anti-corruption podcasts in English and Hausa; television discussions and vox-pop interviews; and digital campaigns that brought governance issues to wider audiences.

Creative content helped make complex accountability issues relatable. Outputs included a 15-minute film examining how corruption affects women and PWDs, short films, theatre performances, poetry competitions and online video programmes. One digital campaign reported 21.9 million Facebook video views, while another reported more than 700,000 YouTube views for a series of 20 videos.

Community monitoring, budget transparency and citizen advocacy

The project supported citizens and community groups to monitor public expenditure, track constituency projects and engage public officials on service delivery. In Yobe State, community members were trained to monitor the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and social equity funding. Activities included six town hall meetings involving 180 stakeholders from 30 communities across six local government areas, capacity building for 25 young people, outreach across 30 rural communities and advocacy with relevant state agencies and traditional institutions. Simplified information on budgets, the Freedom of Information Act and public funding was produced in English and Hausa.

In Borno State, community-focused radio and television programmes, podcasts and simplified budget information encouraged public discussion of corruption, transparency and constituency projects. In Kano and other locations, CITAD’s media and community reporting drew attention to abandoned or poorly executed public projects and gaps in basic services, including water, education, roads and healthcare.

Youth participation and social accountability skills

CITAD’s Social Media for Accountability (SM4A) initiative trained 11,988 young people—4,182 females, 6,606 males and 1,200 PWDs—on using digital platforms to promote accountability and engage public institutions. Topics included accountability and anti-corruption, youth participation, social media tools, whistleblowing and protection, public procurement and the development consequences of corruption.

A further two-day national training reached 45 young people, including PWDs. Participants were encouraged to cascade the learning in their communities and schools. The Report a Project competition also encouraged tertiary institution students to document abandoned or poorly executed public projects and bring them to the attention of responsible authorities. It records eight rounds of the competition and more than 130 submissions.

Inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities

The project supported PWDs to participate in accountability advocacy and public life through digital skills and social media training for people with visual, hearing and physical impairments, poetry-based advocacy, radio discussions and platforms for sharing lived experiences. A sub-grantee of the project trained 92 PWDs and produced 13 radio episodes focused on their experiences and demands for accountability.

CITAD also established a Digital Training Hub for PWDs in Kano, launched in August 2024. Equipped with accessible computers, assistive technologies and adaptive learning tools, the Hub was designed to train 300 PWDs annually. Its pioneer cohort of 15 learners graduated in October 2024. The initiative records related government actions and commitments, including approval of 44 disability-compliant JAMB-CBT centres in Kano, recruitment of 21 persons with visual impairments under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, and improvements to special-needs education facilities and materials.

3. Results and Reported Outcomes

The project increased public awareness of corruption and accountability, stronger citizen-led advocacy and expanded opportunities for communities to engage decision-makers. Its documented results include:

• In Yobe State, community stakeholders and young people committed to monitoring BHCPF and social equity funding. Relevant state agencies indicated willingness to share implementation information.
• In Kano State, media advocacy contributed to responses to community needs. Through our community-based advocacy more than 100 boreholes were constructed in Kunchi Local Government Area and a primary school in Shara, Sumaila LGA was constructed following public attention and advocacy.
• The project’s inclusion work included the appointment of 44 PWDs into the Kano State workforce, approval of 44 disability-compliant JAMB-CBT centres, recruitment of 21 persons with visual impairments under BESDA, and improvements in special-needs education facilities and materials.
• Citizens trained through SM4A used digital platforms to pursue accountability concerns. Examples include community advocacy that secured the installation of 10 outstanding solar panels, public engagement over delayed scholarship payments, and citizen pressure that prompted a hospital management response to a reported case of medical negligence.
• The project contributed to the creation or strengthening of accountability platforms, including an investigative journalism development initiative in the Niger Delta and CITAD Online Radio’s community reporting and public engagement.

4. Sub-grantee Contributions: Short Website Summary

Through a network of 24 social influencers, media practitioners, creative professionals and civil society actors, the project expanded anti-corruption and accountability advocacy across Nigeria. Sub-grantees produced radio and television programmes, podcasts, investigative reports, newspaper articles, documentaries, short films, animations, theatre performances, poetry and social media campaigns. They trained journalists, young people and community members to monitor public spending, report abandoned projects and engage decision-makers. Others supported budget tracking, health and education accountability, disability inclusion and community-level advocacy. Their work reached audiences through traditional and digital media while creating opportunities for citizens—especially young people and PWDs—to raise concerns and demand better governance.

5. Lessons and Challenges

The project found that young people and PWDs can become effective accountability advocates when equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and opportunities. Community-level engagement, simplified information and local languages helped make public budgets and government programmes easier to understand. Cartoons, animation, poetry and drama offered accessible ways to communicate complex issues. The project also highlighted the value of combining online advocacy with traditional media, community dialogue and direct engagement with public institutions.

6. Sustainability and Continuing Value

Initiatives developed or strengthened through the project with potential for continued impact include CITAD Online Radio’s community reporting and accountability programming, the Digital Training Hub for PWDs, the Report a Project competition, community networks monitoring public funds and the investigative journalism platform established in the Niger Delta. The project also produced public resources and content—including the Corruption Cases Journal, podcasts, films, radio programmes, videos, poetry and reports on public projects—which were distributed through traditional and digital channels.

The project demonstrates the value of sustained citizen engagement in improving public accountability. Its experience points to the importance of investing in local capacity, accessible information, independent media, inclusive participation and constructive dialogue between citizens and public institutions.

7. Project at a Glance