The Local Accountability Watch (LAW Project) is a bold, citizen-led response to the governance challenges facing local communities. Recognizing that the heart of democracy lies at the grassroots, we bridge the gap between citizens and local authorities by fostering a culture of transparency and proactive engagement.
The project equips community members with the Citizen Toolkit for Accountability, a practical manual that helps citizens demand better service delivery and hold officials responsible. A bilingual Citizen Engagement and Sensitization toolkit in English and Hausa removed literacy barriers during community sessions.
The Local Accountability Fellowship
The fellowship received over 400 applications from 23 Nigerian states and one other African country. 20 young leaders, the LAW Drivers, were trained in local governance, transparency and accountability, communication for change, social accountability tools and monitoring and evaluation. They then led advocacy in three target communities: Disina, Sasarai and Birnin Kudu.
Key components
- Citizen Toolkit for Accountability: a practical guide for navigating local governance and demanding transparency.
- LAW Drivers Fellowship: intensive training for civil society leaders and youth advocates championing accountability at community level.
- Stakeholder engagement: direct advocacy with local government officials, academic leaders and traditional institutions, including the Special Assistant to the Governor of Jigawa State on Youth Mobilization, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutse and the Emir of Dutse.
- Community sensitization: public events, media campaigns and press briefings to educate citizens on their rights and civic duties.
The project officially wrapped up on 28 November 2025 and will be replicated in other underserved states.
