by Mercy Don Igwe | Jul 29, 2024 | Press Release, Uncategorized
For Immediate Release
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2024 – The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) convened a pivotal Civil Society Town Hall meeting to comprehensively assess President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which began in May 2023. This initiative aimed to align evidence-based analyses across various sectors, highlighting key activities, focus areas, and anticipated outcomes in collaboration with stakeholders.
President Tinubu’s administration had prioritized economic revitalization, security enhancements, and infrastructure development as central pillars of its agenda. Initiatives to combat corruption, attract foreign investment, and spur job creation through economic reforms underscore the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and stability. Furthermore, efforts focused on bolstering national security, improving education and healthcare systems, and advancing digital infrastructure to address contemporary challenges.
The PPDC’s Civil Society Town Hall provided a platform to consolidate diverse perspectives from Nigerian citizens, civil society organizations, government officials, donors/partners, and the media. During the session, the scorecard from Invictus Africa, indicated a 20% measure in improving educational access under this administration. joint recommendations based on findings were crafted into a unified report aimed at guiding future policy discourse.
“We believed that a focused and inclusive dialogue reflecting the voices of the Nigerian people was critical for promoting transparency, good governance, and sustainable development,” said Lucy Abagi, speaking on behalf of PPDC CEO Jubril Shittu. “Our assessment aimed to facilitate informed decision-making and enhance accountability, paving the way towards inclusive growth and democratic practices.”
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Munachi Okoro
Head of Communications and Knowledge Management
Public and Private Development Centre
About PPDC: The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes across Nigeria. Through advocacy and capacity building, PPDC empowers citizens and stakeholders to engage in governance and policy reform actively.
by ppdc | Jul 8, 2024 | Press Release
Abuja, 28/06/2024
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has successfully held a two day training for more than 50 Police Duty Solicitors. This training initiative is aimed at addressing critical issues related to detention in Nigeria. The newly trained solicitors will provide free legal services at police stations across Adamawa, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa state, ensuring compliance with legal and constitutional obligations concerning the arrest, detention, and trial procedures of suspects by the Nigerian Police Force.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jubril Shittu emphasized the significance of this gathering as a pivotal step towards enhancing the justice system. “PPDC is committed to catalysing societal transformation towards enhanced governance transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation. Our Access to Justice program tackles pressing issues and fosters evidence-based solutions, promoting a more just and equitable society. Through targeted strategic initiatives, we are committed to enhancing the operational capabilities of these institutions, making justice delivery more efficient and equitable.,” said Mr. Shittu.
The Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) is a key component of the ongoing RPDN phase II Project. This initiative aims to equip and prepare Corps members and young lawyers (1-5 years post-call) with the practical skills necessary for effective intervention at detention facilities. The training emphasized relationship management with police officers and provided participants with the knowledge to fulfill their roles as duty solicitors.
The training sessions included a general discussion on Access to Justice, underscoring PDSS as a crucial initiative to protect detainees’ rights and ensure broader access to justice. Specialized sessions with experts covered the roles and responsibilities of duty solicitors, the legal framework and rights of detainees, and effective case management and documentation practices.
Participants also received comprehensive knowledge about PPDC’s Access to Justice (A2J) Programs, ensuring they are well-equipped to support detainees and uphold justice within the Nigerian legal system.
The Public and Private Development Centre remains dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system and protecting detainees’ rights. This training program marks a significant step towards these goals, contributing to the establishment of a more just and equitable society.
by Mercy Don Igwe | Jun 24, 2024 | Press Release
PPDC SHAPES THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE AT ITS MAIDEN MEDIA CONVENING
Abuja, Nigeria— June 20th, 2024— The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) hosted a maiden media convening in Abuja, bringing together influential voices from the media to address pressing issues affecting journalism and media freedom in Nigeria.
The theme of the event was “Exploring Critical Issues and Fostering Collaboration in the Media Landscape” According to Munachi Okoro, Head of Communications and Knowledgement PPDC, The convening served as an opportunity for a discourse on some of the ways the PPDC can collaborate, forge and straighten our partnership with the media in a way to promote PPDCs programs areas which are beneficial for citizens. It also addressed recent challenges, including the alarming increase in arrests and intimidation of journalists.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Unwavering in the Face of Censorship: The power of Resilient Reporting,” which highlighted the challenges journalists face and strategies to uphold journalistic integrity despite censorship pressures.
The panel included distinguished speakers who shared their experiences and insights on navigating hostile environments to report truthfully. The discussions emphasized the crucial role of media organizations in safeguarding journalists and fostering a climate of transparency and accountability within the industry.
“In today’s Nigeria, the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability is more critical than ever,” stated Jubril Shittu, CEO of PPDC. “Events like this underscore our commitment to empowering journalists and defending media freedom globally.”
He continued by stating the PPDC stands in solidarity with journalists and media organizations facing threats and censorship” adding that it is imperative for the Nigerian government to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists who risk their lives to uncover the truth.”
PPDC’s ongoing initiatives focus on leveraging technology and citizen engagement to promote transparency, accountability, and civic participation in governance. The PPDC constantly advocates for policy reforms and collaborate with civil society, media, and government stakeholders to foster a more open and just society.
About PPDC
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
Signed by;
Mercy Don Igwe
Senior Communications Officer,,
Public and Private Development Centre
by ppdc | May 24, 2024 | Press Release
Abuja, Nigeria – March 2024 – The Public and Private Development Center (PPDC) expresses concern over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Following the third stakeholder meeting on May 23, 2024, the PPDC is highlighting significant issues related to the bidding and procurement process, the provision of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and the adherence to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The project’s procurement process has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding compliance with the Procurement Act. According to the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON, the project was done under Restrictive bidding which is provided for under section 40 of the Public Procurement Act 2007. While this may be true, the aforementioned section also stipulates conditions under which restricted bidding may be employed. It mandates that such procedures be published in the procurement journal and that they be performed when the goods or services provided are available only from a limited number of suppliers. We would like to know why it was determined that this required a restrictive bidding process in the first instance, especially given the history and capacity of other reputable construction companies.
Stakeholders were initially reassured by the Minister’s commitment to releasing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report during the second stakeholder meeting. However, this promise was retracted at the third meeting, with the new timeline pushing back disclosure by 2-3 months after the environmental and social impact assessment is complete. This justification, citing Section 15b of the Freedom of Information Act, raises concerns.
This delay is particularly troubling because a thorough ESIA process would have identified critical concerns like the presence of submarine cables beforehand. Withholding the ESIA report hinders transparency and public participation in decision-making. The public has a right to know how the Coastal Highway Project will affect their communities and environment. Hiding critical information only fuels distrust and undermines the government’s credibility.
In light of these concerns, the Public and Private Development Centre calls on the government to:
- Immediately release the full details of the procurement process for the Coastal Highway Project. Despite the Honorable Minister’s statement published by Leadership newspaper on the 8th of May 2024 affirming compliance with the Procurement Act, transparency is required. Full disclosure will ensure accountability and public trust.
- While we await the final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) as mentioned by the Honorable Minister and Director, we request an immediate disclosure of the available ESIA report and engage stakeholders in meaningful consultations.
- Continue to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and public participation in all government projects and decision-making processes.
We urge the government to prioritize public interest and demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of the Coastal Highway Project.
About PPDC
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organization and social enterprise dedicated to fostering transparent and accountable governance while increasing citizens’ participation in governance processes. PPDC’s programs are designed to promote values and initiatives that drive institutional, behavioural, and systemic change in society.
For more information, visit www.ppdc.org.
Signed
Jubril Shittu
Chief Executive Officer,
Public and Private Development Centre.
by Mercy Don Igwe | May 23, 2024 | Press Release
Abuja, Nigeria – March 2024 – The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
spearheaded a pivotal Access to Justice Consortium Strategy Meeting. This
gathering marked a significant step towards a more just future for Nigerians and
Africans alike.
The consortium, a collaborative effort by PPDC, Citizen Gavel, Hope Behind Bars
Africa (HBBA), Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre (Law Hub), and Centre
for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), aims to achieve an African Society with equal access
to justice for all.
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has been committed to
enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance through various
initiatives. PPDC’s Access to Justice program emphasizes the use of technology that can support the transformation of systems, processes and strategic procedural
reform initiatives that address the inherent and systematic delays in the
administration of civil proceedings and criminal justice.
The Access to Justice Consortium recognizes that collaboration is key. By bringing
together diverse stakeholders, the consortium fosters a comprehensive approach
to tackle access to justice challenges. This collaborative effort will lead to the
development of sustainable solutions that create a more efficient, equitable, and
accessible justice system.
The consortium welcomes new members across Africa to join its movement. With a
united front, the consortium aims to dismantle barriers to justice not just in Nigeria,
but across the African continent.
About PPDC
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental
organization and social enterprise dedicated to fostering transparent and
accountable governance while increasing citizens’ participation in governance
processes. PPDC’s programs are designed to promote values and initiatives that
drive institutional, behavioral, and systemic change in society. For more
information, please visit www.ppdc.org.
Signed
Munachi Okoro
Head of Communication and Knowledge Management
Public and Private Development Centre
by ppdc | May 22, 2024 | Press Release
Abuja, Nigeria— May 8th, 2024— The Public and Private Development Centre’s ongoing Reforming Pre-Trial Detention in Nigeria (RPDN) Phase II Project is set to host a pro bono conference and training program aimed at empowering lawyers and law clinicians with the essential skills and knowledge to provide pro bono legal aid for pretrial detainees in Nigeria.
The conference seeks to equip legal professionals with the rudiments of pro bono services, including ethics of legal representation, rules of professional conduct, and other necessary skills, knowledge, and values crucial for effective pro bono legal aid provision.
Scheduled to take place over three days, the training will commence with a conference on day one, positioning the RPDN Phase II Project as a key leader in promoting Access to Justice through the utilization of pro bono legal services and Law Clinics in Nigeria. This conference will provide a platform for a general conversation on the importance of pro bono services in the Nigerian legal landscape.
Days two and three will feature technical sessions led by experts in the field, focusing on the specific roles of pro bono lawyers, law clinicians, and the project itself. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of PPDC’s A2J Programs and will be equipped with the necessary tools to effectively represent the target number of pretrial detainees.
The training conference is expected to bring together legal professionals, academics, and stakeholders in the justice sector, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing towards the advancement of pro bono legal services in Nigeria.
Signed, Nnenna Eze
Communications Manager,
Public and Private Development Centre.
