Do you ever question the value of attending conferences? I used to, but the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference changed my view entirely. With over 2,000 lawyers in attendance, The conference served as a key platform for the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) to achieve a major milestone, successfully recruiting over 300 new pro bono lawyers into its network.
A Triumph for Pro Bono Legal Support
Pro bono legal services are vital for ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access justice. Understanding this crucial need, PPDC has been dedicated to expanding its network of pro bono lawyers to support underserved communities. The NBA Conference 2024 provided an invaluable opportunity to advance this mission, and the results were exceptional.
Throughout the conference, PPDC engaged with a diverse array of legal professionals. Through dynamic presentations, interactive workshops, and personal discussions, PPDC highlighted the importance of pro bono work in promoting justice and equity. The response was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating a strong commitment from the legal community to contribute to this vital cause.
Key Achievements at the Conference
Increased Visibility and Awareness: PPDC’s presence at the NBA Conference significantly raised awareness about the need for pro bono legal services. By sharing success stories and showcasing the impact of their work, PPDC effectively communicated the value of joining their network.
Engagement and Recruitment: The conference allowed PPDC to engage directly with prospective pro bono lawyers. Through targeted presentations and personal interactions, they successfully recruited over 300 new members to their Pro Bono Lawyers Network. This expansion significantly boosts their capacity to provide free legal assistance to those in need.
Strengthened Partnerships: The event also provided a platform for forging new partnerships and reinforcing existing ones. PPDC’s collaborations with other legal entities and organizations at the conference have set the stage for future joint initiatives and enhanced resources for pro bono work.
Enhanced Training Opportunities: The conference enabled PPDC to introduce comprehensive training programs for pro bono lawyers, ensuring that new recruits are well-prepared to offer effective legal support.
Looking Ahead
The addition of over 300 pro bono lawyers to PPDC’s network represents a significant advancement in PPDCs mission to improve access to justice across Nigeria. With this expanded network, PPDC is well-positioned to address a wider range of legal issues and reach more individuals in need of support.
Conclusion
The NBA Conference 2024 has proven to be a milestone event for PPDC, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective action in advancing pro bono legal services. With over 300 new pro bono lawyers located in various states in Nigeria joining their network, PPDC is now better equipped than ever to make a meaningful difference in the pursuit of justice. As we move forward, the dedication and enthusiasm of these legal professionals will be crucial in shaping a more just and equitable society for all.
Nigeria’s democracy depends on transparency and accountability to thrive. And without accessible information, how do we even begin to hold anyone accountable?
Access to information, by all, is a fundamental human right, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (article 19), highlighted some of these rights as – “the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers”. However, the journey to freedom of information in Nigeria has faced challenges. The initial attempt to introduce the bill in 1999 was met with resistance primarily from those who feared that such transparency could expose corruption and inefficiencies (morehereandhere). Despite the setbacks and rejections, advocates of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act remained persistent, underscoring the importance of an informed citizenry in holding government officials accountable. The passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in Nigeria in 2011 marked a significant milestone in the realm of transparency and accountability. The FOI Act reinforces the principle that transparency is essential for good governance and, empowering citizens to hold public institutions accountable by “guaranteeing access to information” (Section 1).
Despite all the progress in promoting transparency and accountability, the FOI Act has not fully realized its potential and even though the Act is intended to empower citizens by providing them with the legal means to access information, its effectiveness has been hampered. Issues remain about the FOIA’s usefulness and how it may be improved to produce a more informed and involved populace – and more importantly, are the citizens taking advantage of this, to make a difference?
The FOIA Making a Difference
The FOI Act adequately equips Nigerians to get information from public institutions, and this proves a step in the right direction. It has also empowered Nigerians to take institutions to court, for breach of disclosure. A few examples are highlighted below:
Several cases by the Public and Private Development Center (PPDC) – link
In other incidences, a group called SERAP used the FOIA to fight the Government to reveal details about money recovered from the Abacha loot, by the previous administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo, Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Buhari amounting to $5 billion, securing a court order for the disclosure. This is a major achievement for holding the government accountable. (reference)
A court decision, (in Martins Alo case) strengthened the FOIA by requiring all states to follow its rules.
The FOIA is a great step forward, but alas, there are still challenges and room for improvement;
The reluctance of some government offices to comply with FOIA requests points to a bigger issue of institutional barriers. It has been seen that these government offices deliberately withhold information from people about the FOIA or pose difficulty for people to get information. This can be demonstrated by an experience of PPDC which was encountered when MDAs refuse to accept FOI request letters or create barriers, they are effectively shielding themselves from scrutiny, which contradicts the purpose of the FOIA. Another example can be seen when a PPDC staff was deliberately delayed for the whole day and was not attended to. This underscores the hostile environment that can exist for those attempting to exercise their rights.
Another issue is that a lot of Nigerians don’t know much about the FOIA. The lack of awareness is a significant impediment to its effectiveness and if people don’t know that they have the right to access information, they won’t use it. The existence of other laws that clash with the FOIA, such as the Oath of Secrecy, creates confusion and can be used as an excuse to deny requests. This can make it difficult to know what information should be released – Like the Oath of Secrecy, for example.
Enter PPDC: Helping Nigerians Use the FOIA
At the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), we advance transparency and accountability by providing support to Nigerians on how to effectively use the FOI Act. We do this in ways:
Educate stakeholders about their right to information and the FOIA.
Guide stakeholders on how to make effective requests from the government (FOI Request letter).
Advocate for stronger implementation.
Engage in the annual FOI ranking exercise, in partnership with other organisations like the MRA, R2K, BudgIt, ICIR, and Accountability Lab, to rank MDAs according to their level of disclosure and proactiveness to the FOI Act.
PPDC doesn’t just enlighten people on the FOIA and how to use it, we have also developed some technological solutions to simplify processes for citizens. PPDC helps to bridge the gap between the legal framework provided by the FOIA and its practical application, making it a more effective tool for civic engagement and government accountability in Nigeria.
Budeshi: This is a website that tracks how well government agencies follow FOIA rules when it comes to public spending. It was built, using a global standard called the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) and shows how much information each agency releases, so people can easily track, analyze, and/or compare them. This is a great way to hold the government accountable for how they spend our public money.
Budeshi‘s success has inspired other countries in Africa to create similar tools. For example, the African Freedom of Information Centre supported the development of the Open Data dashboard in Uganda, which works in the same way, with PPDC as part of the working group, (more reference here) making public spending information more accessible to everyone.
FOI Ranking: PPDC currently leads the performance of the FOI which is done by measuring how well government agencies follow the FOI Act and disclose information proactively, and on request by stakeholders.
Every year, we, the PPDC alongside a cohort consisting of The ICIR, BudgIT Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda, Right To Know Nigeria, and Accountability Lab Nigeria, release a “report card” called the FOI Ranking and deploy the website for the ranking. This ranking reviews over 200 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to see how well they are performing. We consider factors like how quickly they respond to FOI requests if they proactively share information on their websites, and how much information they give out when asked for.
By providing these tools mentioned, and fighting for stronger FOI implementation, the PPDC is empowering Nigerians to be informed citizens and hold their government accountable. We use the FOI Ranking to not only hold MDAs accountable but also to encourage them to share information more openly. After all, as Gloria Ahmed, National Coordinator of Open Government Partnership, says – access to information is a “critical tool to help the government succeed”
Final words – A Call to Action
The Power of Informed Citizens can not be over-emphasized in the journey toward a free, transparent, and accountable government. The Freedom of Information Act is a powerful tool to have in the arsenal, for encouraging transparency and accountability in government. Its effectiveness heavily relies on active citizen participation. We must all educate ourselves about our right to information and leverage the Act, to hold public institutions accountable.
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) plays a crucial role in empowering citizens by offering valuable guidance and support to make the FOI request process more accessible. The PPDC believes that through informed participation and collaboration with CSOs, true and complete access to information can be achieved in Nigeria.
As part of a critical routine under the Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria (RPDN) Phase II project, PPDC carried out a correctional center audit at the Suleja Custodial Center. This audit was carried out with the support of two of our project partners, the NBA Bwari Branch, and Veritas University Law Clinic Bwari. This monthly exercise is a vital moment to gauge our progress, measure the impact of our interventions, and reaffirm our commitment to bringing justice to those who need it most.
The goal is simple but profound, to decongest the Nigeria Correctional Center by providing free legal representation for those awaiting trial, support the upgrade and deployment of equipment to enhance the Correctional Information Management System CIMS.
We met with officials from various departments, receiving firsthand insights into how our interventions shape the lives of those awaiting pretrial detainees. There was a glimmer of progress, for us one of the most significant moments of this audit. For the first time, the number of convicts outweighed the number of pretrial detainees. It was a sign that the backlog is finally shifting. More inmates now have legal representation, a clear victory for our cause.
We also conducted interviews with pretrial detainees who had no legal representation. One of them was a 17-year-old boy, a child whose life had been caught in a web far too complex for him to navigate alone. His eyes held a quiet sorrow, the kind that comes from being trapped in a place where time seems to stretch endlessly. But there was hope, too. Our partner, the dedicated NBA Bwari branch, pledged to take up his case, offering him the legal support he desperately needed. It was a reminder that our work is far from finished, but we are moving in the right direction.
Walking through the halls of the center, one cannot help but feel the weight of the stories held within its walls. Each detainee represents more than a case number, they are individuals caught in the tide of a system that often overlooks them. Our work here is not just about numbers but about restoring dignity and ensuring that justice is not a privilege reserved for a few.
As we left the Suleja Custodial Center, the weight of our mission felt both heavy and hopeful. We are not just opening doors to legal representation, we are opening doors to a future where justice is within reach for all.
This audit was not just about checking progress but also seeing the human side of a system that too often forgets its humanity. We were reminded that behind every statistic is a story, and behind every case number is a life waiting for justice.
Introduction In any society, the relationship between citizens and their government is crucial for the well-being and progress of the nation. Good governance plays a fundamental role in shaping a nation’s economic situation, paving the way for sustainable development, social stability, and individual prosperity. This blog post aims to explore the significance of good governance, taking the current economic situation in Nigeria as a case study.
Good governance refers to a set of principles and practices that ensure accountability, transparency, participation, fairness, and efficiency in the functioning of a government. It serves as a framework for effective decision-making, policy implementation, and public service delivery. The key elements of good governance include the rule of law, strong institutions, respect for human rights, and citizen engagement. The Nigerian Economic Situation
Nigerians Protest of Cost of Living
“This is not Hope but Shege” is the outcry in Nigeria in the past few weeks that reflects the current situation. Although Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges in achieving economic stability and sustainable development. Issues such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, mismanagement of resources, and limited diversification have hindered its progress. Key areas affected by this situation includes: High Cost of Living: The cost of living in Nigeria has been on a steady rise, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to afford basic necessities. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country’s inflation rate has been on an upward trajectory, reaching 17.33% in February 2021. This surge in inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, leading to widespread financial strain. Insecurity: Insecurity continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s economic well-being. The activities of insurgent groups, banditry, and communal clashes have disrupted economic activities and deterred investment in various regions. In 2020, the Global Terrorism Index ranked Nigeria as the third most impacted country by terrorism, further highlighting the detrimental impact of insecurity on the economy.
Government Policies The effectiveness and impact of government policies play a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape. However, uncertainties surrounding policy implementation and inconsistencies have created challenges for businesses and investors. The lack of a stable policy environment has contributed to investment hesitancy and reduced confidence in the economy.
Crash of the Naira The devaluation of the Naira has significantly affected Nigeria’s economic stability. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the official exchange rate of the Naira to the US dollar has been adjusted multiple times, reflecting the currency’s declining value. This has led to increased import costs, further driving up the prices of goods and services within the country.
Unemployment Unemployment remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with the youth being disproportionately affected. The NBS reported the country’s unemployment rate at 33.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020, highlighting the urgent need for job creation and skills development initiatives to mitigate this challenge.
Corruption Corruption has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, impacting various sectors of the economy. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranked 149 out of 180 countries in 2020, indicating the prevalence of corruption within the country and its adverse effects on economic development.
The Role of Good Governance Nigeria, a nation blessed with immense potential, faces the ongoing challenge of achieving good governance. This entails fostering an environment where leadership is responsible, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves. However, achieving this ideal requires not just capable leaders, but also active and engaged citizens. Good governance encourages and ensures:
1. Accountability: Good governance establishes mechanisms that hold government officials accountable for their actions and decisions. Transparent financial systems, efficient auditing, and anti-corruption measures are crucial in combating corruption and ensuring that public funds are utilized appropriately for development initiatives. Our role in PPDC through the community-based monitoring systems to track projects and ensure quality delivery of services is a critical way of holding the government accountable.
2. Transparency: Transparency in governance encourages trust between citizens and the government. Openness in decision-making processes, accessible information, and regular reporting enhance public confidence and enable citizens to participate effectively in public affairs. Transparency also discourages corrupt practices and fosters an environment conducive to investment and economic growth.
3. Citizen Participation: Citizen participation in decision-making processes empowers individuals and communities, enabling them to voice their concerns, contribute ideas, and hold their government accountable. By involving citizens through consultations, town hall meetings, and public hearings, good governance ensures that policies and projects align with the needs and aspirations of the people.
4. Strengthening Institutions: Good governance helps build strong and efficient institutions capable of delivering essential services, implementing policies effectively, and upholding the rule of law. Independent judiciary, impartial law enforcement agencies, and reliable regulatory bodies play a vital role in attracting investments, protecting property rights, and fostering a stable business environment.
5. Sustainable Economic Development: Good governance promotes long-term economic growth by creating an attractive investment climate, reducing bureaucracy, and encouraging entrepreneurship. It emphasizes prudent fiscal management, responsible resource allocation, and strategic planning, allowing governments to invest in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Conclusion The current economic situation in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the importance of good governance in fostering sustainable development. By implementing transparent mechanisms, ensuring accountability, promoting citizen participation, and strengthening institutions, the government can address the existing challenges and unlock the nation’s vast potential. It is the collective responsibility of both citizens and the government to actively engage in building a system that prioritizes good governance, ultimately leading to a prosperous and inclusive society in Nigeria and beyond. In all “The success of democracy is impossible without the participation of the people.
Just two weeks ago, I found myself engrossed in a moment of awe, eyes fixed on my screen as SpaceX launched the Super Heavy Starship – the largest and heaviest flying machine ever built. It was a spectacle, a breathtaking display of human ingenuity, as we propelled a colossal metal behemoth toward the vast expanse of the cosmos. The sight was nothing short of magical, a testament to our relentless pursuit of progress.
However, as I marveled at this innovation, I wondered: How is Africa faring in this global race toward technological advancement? The truth is, we are still playing catch-up. Despite Nigeria’s status as the giant of Africa, our journey in the technological realm has been a mix of achievements and challenges. Nigeria has indeed made strides in technology, proudly launching Africa’s first communication satellite. While this is a commendable feat, it is crucial to acknowledge that we have a long way to go to establish ourselves as a leading technological powerhouse on the continent. One area that urgently requires attention is our governance sector, particularly public contracting. The current system is plagued by a lack of transparency, accountability, and effective project monitoring. It’s akin to navigating through a maze of hidden processes, where awarding contracts, implementing projects, and tracking progress are shrouded in opacity and inefficiency. But here’s the good news: there is hope on the horizon. The Public and Private Development Center (PPDC), is in leveraging technology to transform public governance monitoring in Nigeria. While we may not be launching rockets into space, our initiatives are revolutionary in our context.
At the heart of our efforts is the “Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) Portals,” implemented across six states and at the Federal level in Nigeria. These portals serve as a beacon of transparency, providing citizens with accessible and timely information on public contracts. Imagine a Nigeria where every citizen can track how their hard-earned tax Nairas are being utilized from the comfort of their home or anywhere in the world. With these portals, PPDC is empowering citizens, enabling them to scrutinize government projects and hold public institutions accountable.
Our technology solutions, coupled with field monitoring efforts and advocacy, have catalyzed tangible improvements in public projects across Nigeria. We have revived abandoned projects, resulting in the completion of essential infrastructure such as primary healthcare centers and schools. Our initiatives have even enabled a state to secure approximately $4 million in grants and have documented projects worth over ₦34 billion on our Budeshi OCDS Portal.
But our impact goes beyond numbers and statistics. PPDC’s initiatives have empowered journalists and government officials, irrespective of their technological proficiency, with the tools and knowledge required to ensure effective and transparent systems. By promoting citizen engagement and fostering a culture of accountability, we are bridging the gap between government and citizens, promoting mutual benefit, trust, and participation. At PPDC, our mission transcends technological innovation; it is about fostering good governance, sustainable development, and transparency in Nigeria. We are committed to creating a just society where government and citizens collaborate to shape a brighter future for present and future generations.
Nasarawa, Nigeria— February 28, 2024 — The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), is hosting a town hall meeting aimed at enhancing access to justice in Nigeria. The town hall seeks to actively engage key stakeholders in the justice sector in promoting access to justice.
The town hall represents a pivotal step towards building stakeholder relationships to improve access to justice in Nigeria. It will provide a platform for PPDC to share its experiences, learnings, impacts, and challenges encountered during the implementation of the Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project and garner additional support to strengthen and improve the CACM project across the state.
The event will also serve as a platform to introduce stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to the Reforming Pre-Trial Detention in Nigeria Phase II (RPDN) project, which seeks to reduce the number of pre-trial detainees, seeking their buy-in and support for its successful implementation.
Furthermore, the event will feature an advocacy call to traditional rulers to implement custodial measures as a means to decongest detention facilities sustainably. The aim is to promote alternatives to custodial measures and address the root causes of crime and conflict in our communities.
The town hall meeting will provide an opportunity to build an internally strong, and knowledge-driven state and non-state actors advocating for access to justice with transparency and accountability processes; To enhance the efficient and swift administration of the criminal justice system in Nasarawa State.
About PPDC:
The 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 and to increase citizens’ participation in governance processes. Our programs are designed to promote values and initiatives that drive institutional, behavioral, and systemic change in our society. More information on Public and Private Development Centre can be found at www.ppdc.org
