Abuja, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – International Women’s Day, first recognized by the United Nations in 1977, remains a vital global platform for celebrating progress and tackling the persistent challenges to achieving gender equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” highlights the urgent need for collective, decisive efforts to break systemic barriers and create a more equitable society.
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality through advocacy and systemic reforms. As a non-governmental organization and social enterprise, PPDC promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. A core aspect of our work focuses on gender-responsive reforms, ensuring that women have equal opportunities in economic and political participation, as well as access to justice.
Through research, advocacy, system strengthening, and capacity-building initiatives, PPDC has empowered over 1,000 women. Notably, our research has contributed to the adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Bill and Action Plan in Kaduna State, marking a significant step toward institutionalizing policies that support women’s inclusion and economic growth.
Despite significant strides in the past 30 years, at the current pace, full gender equality may not be achieved until 2158, a delay that is unacceptable. To close this gap, urgent measures must be taken.
Call To Action
Sustain the enforcement of the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to protect women from all forms of violence and ensure legal safeguards for victims and survivors.
Accelerate the implementation of the National Gender Policy to drive gender-inclusive reforms in governance, economic participation, and leadership.
Fast-track the passage of the Alteration Bill for Special Seats for Women (HB 1349) to increase women’s representation in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
Close the gender pay gap by ensuring equal economic participation, fair wages, and greater representation of women in decision-making roles.
Implement the National Action Plan for United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 to recognize the impact of conflict on women and strengthen their role in peace and security processes.
Eradicate harmful socio-cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination, human rights violations, femicide and gender-based violence.
PPDC remains steadfast in its advocacy for inclusive governance, economic justice, and policies that empower women. As we commemorate this day, we call on governments, the private sector, and civil society to move beyond commitments and take concrete, immediate action. The time for equality is now.
About PPDC
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-profit organisation committed to improving citizens participation in governance in a way that improves the integrity of public governance processes, fostering transparent and accountable governance. We empower citizens to actively participate in shaping their communities by driving institutional, behavioural, and systemic change.
Abuja, 14 February 2025 –Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organization and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government as well as citizens empowered to actively participate in governance processes. Our programs are designed to promote values and initiatives which drive institutional, behavioural and systemic change on a large scale and in a way that will benefit society and its development. PPDC provides the strongest Civil Society voice in support of procurement reforms in Nigeria.
The Nigeria government has committed to addressing corruption and has taken steps to accomplish this, even though the scourge still persists. On Tuesday, 11th February, 2025, the Transparency International (TI), officially launched the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Nigeria’s 2024 CPI score is 26 out of 100, showing a slight improvement from 25 in 2023. Its global ranking also improved from 145th to 140th out of 180 countries.
PPDC emphasizes that while Nigeria has made some efforts in tackling corruption, systemic weaknesses persist. The CPI does not measure the number of anti-corruption agencies, but rather the effectiveness and efficiency of systems in curbing corruption. It is essential to recognize the ongoing challenges and emerging threats in the fight against corruption. Modern issues such as digital corruption, transnational corruption, and corruption in emerging technologies continue to evolve, requiring adaptive and proactive solutions.
At the PPDC, we recognize that a united front is essential to overcoming the complex and interconnected challenges posed by corruption, therefore in the spirit of sustained advocacy we make the following call to action;
Public procurement remains one of the most corruption-prone areas in governance. The 2021 Auditor General’s report highlights significant fraud within procurement processes. Establishing the National Procurement Council will strengthen oversight and reduce corruption risks.
The Nigerian government recently recovered $52.88 million linked to former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. We call for full transparency and accountability in managing these funds to ensure they benefit Nigerian citizens.
A comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Act is critical in encouraging Nigerians to report corruption without fear of retaliation. Legal protection for whistleblowers will enhance public participation in the fight against corruption.
Compliance to Freedom of Information requests by the MDAs from the members of the civil societies and media need to be improved. Strengthening compliance will enhance access to information and promote transparency.
Agencies leading the implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Open Government Partnership (OGP) must show greater political will in fulfilling their commitments. Aligning these efforts with citizen-driven service delivery initiatives will strengthen governance.
Investigations and prosecutions especially of politically exposed persons and high-profile corruption cases. Greater synergy will lead to more convictions and a stronger deterrent effect. Doing the above PPDC belief next year CPI will be better
About The Public and Private Development Centre
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-profit organisation committed to improving citizens participation in governance in a way that improves the integrity of public governance processes, fostering transparent and accountable governance. We empower citizens to actively participate in shaping their communities by driving institutional, behavioural, and systemic change.
Abuja, 12th February 2025 – In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving access to justice and promoting affordable housing for Nigerian residents, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shelta Panacea Limited, a PropTech company dedicated to solving the common problem that exists between property owners and property users. Through this partnership, 10,000 landlords across Nigeria will receive free litigation cover and legal representation.
PPDC’s program interventions address both the demand and the supply side. The ‘demand side’ refers to the users of the public sector and to those demanding improved service delivery, protection of human rights, or reform, often represented by civil society. The ‘supply side’ refers to those institutions, organizations, and individuals that provide public services – through both formal and informal mediums.
Inorder to ensure Increased compliance, Improved landlord-tenant relationships, Reduced disputes,Increased property values as well-informed landlords may be more likely to maintain their properties, adhere to safety standards, and make necessary repairs, and Support for small landlords, The PPDC Access to Justice Program, which has successfully provided pro bono legal services to over 9,000 Nigerians and strengthened justice sector reforms, will leverage its technological legal innovations and network of lawyers to support Shelta Panacea’s mission. PPDC will play a critical role in recruiting, supervising, and ensuring fair remuneration for lawyers handling these cases.
“PPDC has always been committed to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. This collaboration with Shelta Panacea allows us to extend our expertise beyond the criminal justice space to civil disputes, ensuring that landlords who may otherwise struggle with prolonged legal battles can access professional legal representation at no cost.” – Lucy Abagi- Chief Executive Officer, PPDC
Our goal is to bridge the legal gap between landlords and tenants in Nigeria. With PPDC’s extensive experience in justice sector interventions, this partnership is a crucial step in ensuring landlords receive the necessary legal support to protect their rights while promoting fair and transparent dispute resolution.
This partnership aligns with PPDC’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights, reinforcing its role as a leading advocate for justice sector reforms in Nigeria.
About The Public and Private Development Centre
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-profit organisation committed to improving citizens participation in governance in a way that improves the integrity of public governance processes, fostering transparent and accountable governance. We empower citizens to actively participate in shaping their communities by driving institutional, behavioural, and systemic change.
About Shelta
Shelta is a PropTech Startup that provides guaranteed annual rent for Landlords & flexible (monthly, biannual, quarterly) rent payment for tenants. Shelta takes away the friction between Landlord-Tenant relationships through our rent financing solution. We stand in as pressure absorbers and risk takers for Landlords with our guaranteed rent, property management and free litigation coverage services.
To strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the Public and Private Development Centre’s Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project, supported by the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), represents a significant effort to enhance Nigeria’s criminal justice administration. The project focuses on improving capacity, efficiency, and accountability within the Nigerian courts, with key objectives including enhanced case management, evidence control, scheduling systems, and overall court administration processes.
In 2023, upon assessment of the select courts in the 3 pilot states, Nasarawa Plateau and Kaduna, our findings revealed significant challenges plaguing the judicial system. Judges grappled with the daunting task of writing judgments, taking notes, and simultaneously observing litigants’ body language. This multitasking burden resulted in delayed judgments, exacerbating an already overburdened system. Concurrently, correctional officers faced logistical hurdles in transporting inmates from correctional centers to courts. Weather conditions, transportation costs, and security risks compounded the difficulties, further impeding the legal process. Additionally, inadequate case and evidence management practices led to disorganized and unsupervised case files, hindering effective tracking and monitoring of case progress.
Another key challenge we saw was the lack of secure facilities in magistrate courts for typing and printing confidential court proceedings, which posed significant security and confidentiality risks. Clerical activities conducted in external business centers outside court premises increased the likelihood of leaked court judgments before official pronouncements.
During our recent visit to our stakeholders in Nasarawa State, we visited all of the project’s interventions to assess their impact and ensure their sustainability. One of the project’s pivotal interventions is the deployment of speech-to-text facilities in select courtrooms in Nasarawa State. Recognizing the challenge faced by judges in simultaneously writing judgments and observing litigants’ body language, the introduction of the speech-to-text facility accelerates court proceedings, eliminates manual transcription delays, and enhances transparency. This initiative not only streamlines administrative tasks but also fosters a swift dispensation of justice.
PPDC and INL team with the Comptroller of Corrections, Nasarawa state
PPDC and INL team with the Attorney General, Nasarawa state
PPDC and INL team with the Chief Justice Nasarawa state
“We are not taking the interventions for granted, as they have aided our work in the courtroom, and we are committed to ensuring the expansion and sustainability of the speech-to-text and virtual courts.” -Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Honourable Justice Aisha Bashir
The implementation of virtual courts in custodial centers has addressed significant logistical challenges faced by correctional officers. By enabling remote hearings, this innovative solution reduces the need for physically transporting individuals in custody to courtrooms, saving time and resources and minimizing security risks.
A virtual court hearing from the Nasarawa State Custodial Center
I had a case that was heard virtually from the custodial center, and it was like a dream come true. To be able to use such technology will improve the justice sector in Nasarawa State.” – Honourable Justice Simon Aboki
The project also addresses the critical issue of case file arrangement and management. By meticulously sorting, indexing, and cataloging criminal case files in the High Court across pilot states, the initiative enhances the reliability and security of legal documentation. Standardized case-filing units not only ensure easy retrieval but also significantly reduce the risk of loss or damage, thereby improving overall case management efficiency.
We had the issue of unsecured case files; however, with the intervention, case files are sorted and kept in secure racks for easy retrieval – Nicholas Abunduga, chief state counsel, Ministry of Justice, Nasarawa State.
Case files before and after PPDC’s intervention
Additionally, establishing a magistrate secretarial pool equipped with essential facilities for typing and printing confidential court proceedings addresses security and confidentiality concerns. This initiative not only enhances the secure handling of sensitive court documents but also provides a source of revenue for magistrate courts. It signifies a significant step towards ensuring a more robust and confidential judicial process.
The commendable support and adoption of the project by the good people and various government arms of Nasarawa State highlight a commitment to sustainability. Provisions for the maintenance of deployed facilities in subsequent budgets and the provision of subscriptions for virtual hearings and SMS messaging in the 2024 budget underscore a proactive approach toward ensuring the long-term success and impact of these transformative interventions. Additionally, the invitation extended to PPDC to join the ACMC committee further emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, paving the way for continued innovation and improvement in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Before PPDC’s intervention, lawyers were hesitant to handle cases; however, with the implementation of the Case Management System, case files are uploaded and notifications are sent. The AG can see when a case’s limit has elapsed. This has resulted in a stronger synergy between the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary. Nicholas Abunduga, chief state counsel, Ministry of Justice, Nasarawa State.
The Public and Private Development Centre is committed through its Access to Justice program to ensure speedy dispensation of justice across our pilot states. The Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project, is paving the way for Nigeria’s criminal justice system to become more efficient, transparent, and equitable by addressing systemic issues and leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
In Nigeria rural communities face several challenges, and one of those challenges is access to clean and potable water. According to the world bank, “In 2018, Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector were declared to be in a state of emergency by the Government. In 2019, a combination of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of required human capital, poor investment, and a deficient enabling regulatory environment – amongst other challenges – meant that approximately 60 million Nigerians were living without access to basic drinking water”.
For a long time, Mr Bala, a resident of Buzunkure local government, Kuje area council, Abuja, lacked access to basic infrastructure in his community.
“We have to go to the river far away to fetch water and for some of us who have little money, we pay people who have boreholes in nearby estates to get water every day. This has caused a lot of suffering for us, every day you see children going to fetch water” Mr Bala’s
Lack of water, good roads, electricity, and standard healthcare facilities, to name a few, have affected his and his community members’ well-being. This has resulted in a lower standard of living, an increase in crime rates and out-of-school children, as well as poor hygiene and sanitation in their homes.
Mr. Bala at the community town hall
For years, the people of Buzunkure had to get water from a stream 45 minutes away because their only borehole had been damaged. This meant that their living conditions were deplorable and required immediate intervention.
Old Abandoned community borehole
The public and private Development Centre with support from VOICE sort to address this challenge with our ongoing project Promoting Inclusive Governance through Civic Engagement (PIGCE). The main purpose of our project is to empower rightsholders with the required skills, knowledge, and access to engage with their representatives and demand improved service delivery.
Community engagement and town hall in Buzunkure
To that end, we launched a series of advocacies. We visited the community to speak with the community head, youth and women leaders, and community members. We held a town hall meeting where they identified some of their basic needs. During this town hall, they highlighted the lack of water, good roads, security, and school classrooms and healthcare facilities among other things. We also noticed a huge communication gap between members of the community and their representatives. Most of them didn’t know the right channels to lay complaints, and they also lacked adequate procurement information on projects that have been approved and awarded for construction.
The town hall meeting allowed us to educate residents and develop their skills in engaging their representatives and using the upcoming general elections to ensure that the community’s needs are met. We trained those who were computer literate on how to use the Budeshi open contracting platform to stay up to date on contracting information, while we provided the rest of the community with our Budeshi toll-free number to enable them to reach us for project updates and contact information. The Budeshi platform gives users access to procurement data such as budget amounts, contract amounts, contractor details, project location, etc. from over 90 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria at the federal level.
Following our training, we organized courtesy visits and advocacies alongside members of the community to their representatives. This was a significant outcome of the sensitization. Members of the community wrote letters to their representatives outlining their urgent needs as well as the importance of addressing them. Additionally, PPDC provided them with a radio platform to share more details about their needs and the urgency for intervention. The radio appearance allowed our listeners to learn how to better engage with their representative to achieve their desired outcome of an improved standard of living.
After our advocacy, the people of Buzunkure finally received good news in December 2021: a borehole was built in the heart of their community, eliminating the daunting task of traveling a long distance to get water. Though there are still several challenges that require immediate attention, our intervention campaigns, in collaboration with rightsholders, have enabled us to provide clean water in Buzunkure today.
The Newly constructed borehole
At PPDC, we believe that increasing citizen participation in governance is the only way to improve service delivery. This project demonstrates that when citizens band together to demand better, changes occur in their immediate community. Your voice is the only thing stopping you from a better life. Demanding accountability and transparency from our representatives are critical to improving Nigeria’s standard of living.
