Uyo, Nigeria – September 4, 2025 – Policy Alert, a civil society organization committed to advancing fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta, has launched a transformative 12-month initiative to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance across Akwa Ibom State.
Titled Prioritizing Communities: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Local Government Administration,” the project is being implemented with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF). It will focus on 10 local government areas (LGAs) spread across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State, with the aim to improve public service delivery.
At the heart of the project is a commitment to empowering citizens, especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, to actively engage in governance processes and influence development decisions that affect their lives. The initiative will directly engage 90 young people, building the capacity of youth-led and youth-focused organizations, including past and current NYFF grantees, to become effective advocates for transparency and accountability.
“Our goal is simple, to ensure that local government administration becomes more responsive, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves,” said Idorenyin Eyo, the project Lead. “When communities are informed, included, and empowered to hold leaders accountable, we see tangible improvements in service delivery.”
The project will establish inclusive platforms for dialogue, including community town hall meetings, and participatory budgeting forums, all designed to bridge the gap between citizens and local authorities, with special emphasis on gender-sensitive programming to ensure equitable participation and representation.
Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative in transforming governance at the grassroots level.
“This project represents a critical step toward reclaiming local governance for the people,” said Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan. “At Policy Alert, we believe that sustainable development cannot happen without civic inclusion and accountability. By empowering communities, especially young people, to actively participate in governance, we are not only demanding transparency but also co-creating solutions that reflect local needs and priorities. ‘Prioritizing Communities’ is about shifting power where it belongs: to the people.”
By strengthening civic oversight and promoting participatory decision-making, this project aims to create lasting models of accountable governance that can be replicated across the Niger Delta and beyond.
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For media inquiries or further information, contact:
Abasiama Cyril,
Communication Officer,
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0701 093 8024
