02   Governance and Civic Engagement

Governance & Civic Engagement

Nigeria has held elections for over two decades. But democracy is not settled by elections alone. It is built daily, in courtrooms and community meetings, in the work of journalists who refuse to be silenced and activists who refuse to walk away. It depends on institutions that function, on civic space that remains open, and on citizens who believe their participation matters. The Foundation's Governance and Civic Engagement programme is dedicated to that daily, unglamorous work. It defends the space in which civil society operates. It builds the platforms through which citizens engage with power. And it works to ensure that Nigeria's democratic progress is not merely procedural, but felt: in governance that is transparent, accountable, and genuinely responsive to the people it serves.

One advocacy video went viral. Two million views in one week. A national conversation followed. Through On Nigeria, the Foundation reached over 11 million Nigerians and helped build the citizen demand for accountability that contributed to Nigeria's first improvement in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index in years.

Sub-programmes

Reimagining Democratic Governance in Nigeria and Africa
Convening government, private sector, and civil society around what democratic governance in Nigeria and across the continent must look like to meet the challenges of this century.
Civic Engagement and Rights Protection Initiative
Supporting journalists and activists and fostering public dialogue on civic rights and responsibilities.
Citizen-Led Accountability Initiative
Physical and virtual platforms and campaigns for citizen-led action to promote accountability at all levels of government.
← All Programmes

Public Policy Initiative · Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation