Oshodi-Isolo LGA Launch Oshodi Business Connect App

In partnership with Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Community Life Project (CLP) launched its innovative app called Oshodi Business Connect, on September 27, 2018 in Lagos. The app which was developed under USAID Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement projects Innovation and Spread the Word Fund (ISWF), aims to promote transparency and accountability , plugging taxation loopholes for the informal sector in Oshodi-Isolo LGA and creating opportunities for local business growth. While launching the app, the Chairman for the LGA, Hon Muse-Ariyo , stated that the priority for his administration has been to build a conducive business environment  which would improve the quality of life for people in LGA which the aim is one of the tools to achieving this aim. He expressed his thanks to USAID for this support and states he will continue to work with CLP. As part of sustainable measures, the LGA has provided office space for CLP to continue working with the LG. The launch was attended by over 200 artisans, traders and various informal sector associations.

CSOs call on the FG to Prioritize Post-Oil Development Agenda for Economic Growth in Nigeria

On September 18, a group of civil society organizations in Nigeria called on the Federal Government to develop a post-oil development agenda that prioritizes diversification of revenue streams in Nigeria. This was contained in an outcome statement at the end of the 2-day national dialogue for legislative and policy reforms on extractive sector, participatory governance, development in the Niger Delta and resource management in Nigeria. The meeting which was co-convened by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC) with support of USAID Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement Project and Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) for their support with the theme, ‘Harnessing Natural Resources for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’, observed that Nigeria is still heavily dependent on Natural Resources for revenue for financing her development and will for the foreseeable future and recommended that the Federal Government should expedite reforms in the oil sector and ensure that the necessary legislations are put in place before the end of  this session of the National Assembly. Other participants at the meeting include the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA), Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), Nigeria Extractive Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Open Government Partnership (OGP), Development Partners, State Oil Producing Area Development Commissions and Civil Society organizations. Click here (http://bit.ly/OutcomeStatement) to read the outcome statement.

CSOs Influence NDDC To Complete Abandoned Projects

On September 25, 2018, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), convened a media briefing to showcase results at the end of their 4 year project with the USAID Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement project one of which was their ability to influence Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete 35 abandoned projects in the Niger Delta. Speaking at the media briefing, the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor stated that while noting the lack of commitment by the NDDC in fulfilling its mandate to the people, he shared that abandoned projects have been completed in Edo, Delta and Cross River states and several revived by the Niger Delta Development Commission on(NDDC). He disclosed that since  the inception of the project in 2014, the NGO in partnership with Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment; and with support from the PIND Foundation, undertook specific activities to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to engage Niger Delta Institutions to promote transparency, accountability and effectiveness which lead to the completion of these abandoned projects. ANEEJ used the media briefing to share their research reports, the Citizen Report Card (CRC), and Niger Delta Institutions Transparency Index platform.

Civil Society Groups Condemn Delay in Execution of UBE Projects in Enugu State

Civil Society Groups comprising Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community Development Associations (CDAs), and the media have condemned the delay in execution of Year 2014 Universal Basic Education (UBE) projects by Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB). The condemnation was made by the participants during the Stakeholders Review and Validation of Independent Monitoring Report on Implementation of Year 2014 Enugu UBE Action Plan organized by the Accountability in Basic Education Cluster led by Human Development Initiatives, on September 19, 2018 in Enugu. According to the report, most of the 2014 UBE projects tracked are yet to be executed, and the pace at which the projects are being implemented are not in tandem with the expected project duration outlined in the Action Plan. The groups enjoin ENSUBEB to ensure timely draw down of UBE intervention funds and execution of projects to enhance rapid infrastructural development in public primary and junior secondary schools across the State.

CSOs Pledge to Sustain Demand for Implementation of Ongoing Reforms in the Extractive Sector

Civil Society Organizations pledge to sustain the demand, for implementation of all ongoing reforms in the extractive sector, and for improved and effective Niger Delta institutions (NDIs). They made this commitment at the end of the 2-day National Dialogue for Legislative and Policy Reforms on Extractive Sector which held on September 17 – 18, 2018 in Abuja. The partners resolved to continue to collaborate to promote multi stakeholder approach to development both at the national and State levels and protect the civic space.  They resolved to sustain engagement to demand the implementation and realization of all commitments and ongoing initiatives by the respective MDAs. These include the Commitments in the OGP National Action Plan, remedial action from NEIYI Reports and the establishment and uploading of an online Dashboard of Projects in the Niger Delta Region by the Ministry of Niger Delta (MND) and Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR). Government officials from the Ministry of Niger Delta, Ministry of State for Petroleum Resources, State Oil Producing Areas Development Commissions and Nigeria Extractive Transparency Initiative were present at the event which was organized by the Accountability in Extractive cluster led by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), the Effective Niger Delta Institutions led by Africa Network for Economic and Environment Justice and Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) with the support of USAID SACE project and PIND foundation.

S.A to the Minister of State for Petroleum Officially Unveils Extractive 101

On September 17,2018, The Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chidi Ochodo officially unveiled the “Extractive 101” publication at the National Dialogue for Legislative and Policy Reforms on Extractive Sector in Abuja. He commended the effort of the Accountability in Extractive Sector cluster (AES), led by Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Center (CISLAC) for creating engaging tools that deepen citizens awareness and participation in the extractive sector. Extractive 101 is a publication produced by the AES cluster with support from the SACE project to create more public awareness and knowledge about the extractives sector. It has 6 modules which provide concise, comprehensive and reader friendly information on the extractive sector in Nigeria. It is to make information on the sector available and accessible to the average citizen so that they are more aware and can join in the demand for transparency, accountability and good governance in the extractive industry.

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Holds Public Hearing on AKYDF Bill

The Akwa-Ibom State House of Assembly held the public hearing of the Akwa-Ibom Youth Development Fund bill on September 19, 2018 in Uyo. The speaker Rt Hon. Onofiok Bassey in his opening remarks applauded the intensive advocacy efforts by the Youth Advocacy cluster which resulted in the public hearing. He applauded the bill for having the potentials to transform the state from a civil service state to an industrialized state in line with the governor’s vision. Stakeholders including the S.A on youth to the Governor, Arc Nya Etok and Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria called for the inclusion of young people on the board of the government agency that will be charged with the responsibility of implementing the bill when becomes a law. Other participants who spoke in favor of the bill include the representative of the Commissioner for Youth in Akwa Ibom, youth led civil society organizations, politicians and youth groups. Rt. Hon Udo Kirian, leader of the AKHA gave the closing remarks noting that the committee will collate all the inputs on the bill and report back to the house with recommendations. The Youth Advocacy Cluster led by Youth Alive Foundation initiated the AKYDF bill and deployed numerous advocacy strategies to demand for the passage and implementation of the bill.

Over 100 CSOs Commit to Governance Reforms post USAID Civil Society Project

Over 100 civil society organisations who participated at the USAID Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement (SACE) project Annual Learning Summit (ALS) between September 11 – 13, 2018 in Abuja, pledged to sustain their demands for good governance reforms post SACE project. These CSOs, who worked in the last four years in an anchor/cluster model disclosed how they will deploy the SACE approach, tools, methodologies and lessons from numerous capacity buildings to change the civic eco-system in Nigeria. The SACE project works with national and Niger Delta civil society organizations using several innovative approach to demand for policy reforms and inclusive economic development.

USAID Mission Director Calls on Civil Societies to sustain the demand for Good Governance

The USAID Mission Director, Stephen Haykin, encouraged  civil society organizations to sustain their demand for transparency, accountability and good governance. He expressed this on September 12, 2018 when he addressed the cross section of over 100 civil societies at the USAID Civil Society project Annual Learning Summit in Abuja. He shared his interest in pro democracy work, fundamental human rights and pledged the commitment of USAID to further support civil societies in Nigeria.

Mindset 2.0 Speakers Encourage CSOs to co-create with MDAs around governance challenges

At the 12^th edition of the 2.0 Mindset Series on September 12, 2018 in Abuja, speakers at the event encouraged civil society groups to work with government institutions in co-creating structures and systems that address transparency, accountability and good governance as these actions will ensure sustainability, partnership  and uphold the ideals for collective impact. The speakers, Dr. Joe Abah, Nigeria Country Director for Development Alternative Inc; Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Chairman Premium Editorial board; Aisha Yesufu, Co-convener #BringBackOurGirls; and Charles Abani, USAID Civil Society project, Chief of Party, all emphasized the power of values, common purpose, collaboration, capacity building and innovation to effect a positive change in the face of the 21^st century civil society. Mindset 2.0, an initiative of the USAID Civil Society project, is a platform for experts to share new innovative ways  and experiences for the growth of the civil society space.