Hamzat Lawal presenting the 2024 Annual Report of Connected Development in Abuja on June 18, 2025.
In a push for civic accountability and grassroots reform, Connected Development (CODE), Nigeria’s leading accountability and advocacy organisation, announced that it tracked more than N4 billion in public funds across Nigeria and 11 other African countries in 2024.
The milestone was unveiled during the official launch of CODE’s 2024 Annual Report, titled “The Year of the Active Citizen”, held in Abuja on Wednesday. The event drew key stakeholders from government, civil society, donor agencies, and the media.
Delivering the address, Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE and Founder of the renowned Follow The Money initiative, highlighted the organisation’s expansive reach and the urgent need for citizen-led governance.
“From tracking billions in public expenditure to influencing policy at the state and national levels, our work proves that informed, active citizens are central to good governance,” said Lawal.
Follow The Money Goes Continental
A major development in 2024 was the expansion of the Follow The Money (FTM) initiative into Sierra Leone, making it operational in 12 African countries. The programme, which monitors the implementation of government-funded projects, has grown into one of Africa’s most recognised civic tech platforms.
In Sierra Leone, CODE led extensive community engagement and launched a 12-month advocacy strategy to enhance impact and sustainability.
Domestic Advocacy Yields Results
In Nigeria, CODE’s advocacy under the Galvanising Mass Action Against Gender-Based Violence project contributed to the passage of the Child Protection Bill in Kano State. The legislation is designed to safeguard vulnerable children, particularly girls in rural areas.
“This is a win for rural communities where girls are often left behind. But our work doesn’t end with laws—it must translate into protection on the ground,” Lawal said.
Climate Financing
CODE also issued a warning on Nigeria’s reliance on debt to fund climate goals. Its report on climate finance exposed systemic funding gaps and urged policymakers to shift toward grant-based, sustainable financing to meet Nigeria’s environmental obligations.
“We can’t solve the climate crisis by borrowing ourselves into another one. It’s time to rethink how we fund climate action,” Lawal stated.
Citizen Power and Shrinking Civic Space
Over 1,200 Nigerians, primarily youth, were trained by CODE in 2024 to hold leaders accountable. However, research by the group revealed a troubling decline in civic space and democratic freedoms in the country.
“The right to participate in governance is under threat. We urge policymakers to protect free expression and civil engagement,” said Lawal.
Education in Crisis: A Wake-up Call
Education featured prominently in the report, with CODE highlighting deep systemic issues. A nationwide survey covering 553 schools and 784 health centres revealed critical challenges including:
- Overcrowded classrooms, particularly in the North.
- Gender disparities in school enrolment.
- Untrained teachers—with over 50% in Zamfara and Sokoto lacking professional development.
- Low teacher attendance in several states.
- Lack of potable water and proper sanitation in schools across Taraba, Cross River, Enugu, and others.
Through partnerships with Malala Fund, USAID, and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), CODE implemented key interventions to improve education access, promote gender equality, and equip girls with life and digital skills.
“Despite nearly ₦894 billion spent by states on education, the system is failing millions. Infrastructure, training, and policy must align with the real needs of our communities,” Lawal warned.
A Call to Action
The 2024 Annual Report concludes with a rallying call to all stakeholders—government agencies, donor partners, and civil society to commit to measurable impact, policy enforcement, and community-driven change.
“Each statistic in this report reflects not just data, but the lives of real people. We must act with urgency and resolve to build a just and inclusive Africa,” Lawal added.
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