Civil Society Support Initiative on Political Marginalization in the Niger Delta in Nigeria

A radio programme, based on a Democracy Roundtable, was produced and broadcast in four states. While the topic was relevant to the project, no matter how well-produced, a “one-off” radio broadcast will have done little to support project objectives. Properly planned, with programming produced with local communities on a continuing basis, and with links to community development activities, development broadcasting can be a very effective tool. If radio programming is selected as a core project activity, it must be well-integrated with other activities and be employed throughout the project.

The government advocacy component of the project was a useful follow-up to the training provided. However, in many cases, the meetings seemed provide only an initial opening for voicing concerns and then government representatives providing information on current activities. This is not engagement. There were exceptions, where more was accomplished, but it is apparent that what was critical was that the meetings actually took place. They represented the initial step, the opening, to what was expected to be a long-term dialogue. For this expectation to be realized, far more support and advice will be required, over a period of years, rather than months.

The decision by the grantee to stretch activities across all nine states in the Niger Delta diminished the level of investment available for activities at each project site. While the geographic span of activity increased the visibility of the project, it reduced the prospect for impact and enhancing prospects for sustainability of results. A more focused project, limiting activities to, perhaps, three states would have provided a more effective basis for testing and refining the methodology, and building the foundation for more ambitious efforts in the future.

Some 237 CSO activists were trained in civic and political education, exceeding the target of 180. Similarly, 185 women and young people were trained through the engagement seminars, also exceeding the target of 135. In its own review, the grantee concluded that the sessions on participation and on media engagement were the most successful, in that they provided entirely new and practical knowledge, which trainees could apply readily. There was also a positive response from trainees to the module on democracy monitoring. In a number of cases, those supported by the project were motivated to take further action. Most often, this involved “stepping down” the training to other members of their networks.

The baseline study was well conducted and contributed to the project’s effectiveness as a training tool. It also provided needs assessment data concerning the beneficiary groups, representing marginalized communities. The data derived from the study was used to determine the issues to be addressed during the project. It also assisted in the selection of the CSOs and beneficiary groups with which the project would engage.