Problems and Purpose

Investigative journalism in Nigeria is considered a viable source of reports on corruption allegations against government officials and agencies. Investigative journalists are saddled with roles as “educators and keepers of the public conscience, serving as watchdogs forever on the lookout for corruption, incompetence, and abuses of power.”[1] Corruption and impunity in public office have hindered the availability of basic amenities and stunted development.[2] However, in most cases, journalists are limited by poor remuneration, ill working conditions, apathy, corruption within the media, and the relationship between publishers and politicians.[3] Through identified investigative reports, Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG) engages in constituency projects to monitor and track ongoing government projects. Also, it ensures accountability and transparency among public office holders and their agencies in discharging their duties.

Background History and Context

The media and investigative journalists actively involved in reporting corrupt practices in Nigeria’s public officials have often faced bottlenecks that undermine their roles’ efficacy. These bottlenecks include lack of accountability by the government, bureaucracy, government cover-up, lack of information, and apathy by the citizens. In some cases, investigative reports end in publication as findings are swept under the carpet or neglected by relevant government agencies charged with upholding the investigative findings. This has resulted in corruption, bribery, and abuse of political power by government officials and their agencies. Recognizing this anomaly, PRIMORG inaugurated the “Strengthening Anti-Corruption and Accountability by Amplifying Corruption Related Investigative Reports on the Radio and Through Social Media” project to amplify investigative reports and transparent outcomes. 

In 2017, PRIMORG was registered as a civic organization by Corporate Affairs Commission, with its headquarters located in Abuja, Nigeria.[4] Prior to this, PRIMORG carried out its activities through social media engagement. It was established with “a mandate to promote accountability, popular participation and inclusiveness in governance with the overall objective to foster good governance.”[5] As a member of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition, PRIMORG’s activities are geared towards amplifying corrupt practices in government through the media. The media has been recognized as a viable tool for the dissemination of information and fostering citizen participation. Chapter 2, Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that; “The press, radio, television and other agencies of mass media at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability to the people.”[6] 

Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities

The organizational structure of PRIMORG is divided into two: the Governing Council and the Secretariat. On the one hand, the Governing Council boasts of legal, journalism, and administrative professionals charged with the policy formation duties. On the other hand, the Secretariat is the organizing and coordinating center.[7] PRIMORG is led by Mr. Okhiria Agbonsuremi (Executive Director), Prof. Chidi Anslem OdinKalu (Chairman Governing Councils of PRIMORG) with support from Adaobi Obiabunmuo (Program Manager) and Chidozie Ogbonnaya (PRIMORG Media & Communication Officer). 

The success of PRIMORG’s anti-corruption project is evident in collaboration with media houses (radio, television, and print media), civic organizations, stakeholders, and relevant government agencies. PRIMORG partners with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), The Cable Foundation (TCF), Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), African Center for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Human and Environmental Development Agency (HEDA), Connected Development (CODE), National Population Commission (NPC), The Daily Trust Foundation, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism in obtaining reports on government activities.[8] Prior to 2019, funding was internally generally by the Board of Directors. In 2019, PRIMORG received $300,000 in grants from the MacArthur Foundation to promote “visibility for investigative reports…and increase pressure on anti-corruption bodies to respond.”[9] PRIMORG has collaborated with other donors in a consortium in which aspects of other civic organizations’ objectives included the amplification of reports on corrupt practices in Nigeria. However, PRIMORG has been unable to obtain funding from local organizations and individuals.

Participant Recruitment and Selection

On the project funded by the MacArthur Foundation, there are six full-time staff. However, PRIMORG employs contract staff on need-based projects. There is also the presence of corps members as stipulated by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the possibility of absorption to full-time staff. As a means of offering youths a platform to contribute to the advancement of their society, a vital requirement for recruitment is a willingness to learn.[10] The participating communities were chosen based on investigative reports of media houses and civic organizations accentuating the need for accountability and transparency process. These communities have been marginalized as individuals and as groups. 

Methods and Tools Used

This initiative was based on Community-Driven Development and Have Your Say Dialogue Forums. On the one hand, Community-Driven Development “empowers participating citizens and communities to control the development process, resources, and decision-making to address their self-identified needs.”[11]  On the other hand, dialogue forums allow community members to evaluate the activities of government and share suggestions on how they could work to improve the lives of citizens.[12] 

PRIMORG’s effectiveness can be attributed to the tools deployed, such as civic/political education, capacity building, policy advocacy, seminars, workshops, town-hall meetings, research, media engagement, and report sharing. PRIMORG engaged in awareness campaigns and radio town hall meetings on corrupt practices in government offices. This is articulated in its mission statement “to galvanize and mobilize the population to a very high level of political awareness and coconsciousness to enable citizens participate fully in the political processes, good governance, reduce apathy, cultivate patriotic virtues and selfless sacrifices.”[13] The media background of PRIMORG’s Chief Executive Officer played a significant role in the current use of media engagement as a tool for promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency in Nigeria. Radio stations such as Nigerian Info FM, Kiss FM 99.9 Albarka FM, and Raypower FM amplified investigative reports. Also, social media platforms (mainly Facebook and YouTube) and official websites emphasize citizen participation, disseminate information, and provide progress reports on investigative issues.[14]

What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation

PRIMORG recognized a gap in the relationship between the government and the governed in providing basic amenities. That is, reports presented by investigative bodies and organizations received little or no response from the government. There is also the issue of apathy and lack of political awareness among the citizens. PRIMORG’s activities were geared towards awakening and re-awakening political consciousness among Nigerian citizens. Consequently, PRIMORG embarked on strengthening anti-corruption and accountability by amplifying corruption related investigative reports through radio and through social media aired on eight radio stations and social media at different times.[15] On April 24, 2019, Public Conscience on Radio, a syndicated town hall radio program visible in five geo-political zones (North-Central, North-East, South-South, Sout-West, and South-East) in Nigeria, kicked off operations via the Nigerian Info FM. At inception, the radio program was anchored by Okhiria Agbonsuremi and Chukwudi Okorie Ugbaja but currently anchored by Adaobi Obiabunmuo (Program Manager) and Chidozie Ogbonnaya (PRIMORG Media & Communication Officer). This was based on the “Strengthening Anti-Corruption and Accountability by Amplifying Corruption Related Investigative Reports on the Radio and Through Social Media’ project funded by the MacArthur Foundation to foster political consciousness and awareness of Nigeria’s corruption and integrity issues. This entailed targeted engagement with citizens, policymakers, community-based organizations, anti-corruption organizations, government institutions, and professional associations. Described as the most inexpensive medium, radio was adopted as a viable platform for project execution as it is “available to reach millions of people.”[16] The project was carried out in five phases: Research, investigation, dialogue with stakeholders (on-air and off-air) and concerned citizens, and report sharing. 

PRIMORG identifies investigative reports on corruption published by media houses and civic society organizations for amplification purposes. The investigative reports amplified is based on collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant and determined by the following features: amplified reports must be corruption-based, investigative (field investigation conducted by concerned media houses), timely, contain unaddressed issues, non-action by relevant government agencies; availability of investigative journalist(s), indicted agency, and qualified analyst for radio amplification.[17] In June 2019, PRIMORG identified an ICIR report on birth registration extortion prevalent in Nigeria in which profiteers collect fees from unsuspecting parents.[18] This report based on birth centers in Imo, Rivers, Kano and Kwara states detailed the extortion activities by birth registration officers.[19] As well as, a second report by Cable Foundation titled “Prepaid Meter: A Scheme that has become a Scam” in September 2019. This report detailed the exploitation of estimated billing of unmetered Nigerians and non-distribution of prepaid meters.[20] PRIMORG carried out its investigation in Abuja, with staff members such as Adaobi participating in the investigation. The investigation findings showed that birth registration extortion in over 4,000 registration centers nationwide was communicated to the National Population Commission in Abuja. Before on-air amplification, PRIMORG contacted the media houses involved in the identified investigative reports to obtain new information (if any) and invite the concerned reporters for radio amplification. 

Airing of the radio program entailed a live 50-minute live session on Nigerian Info simultaneously broadcasted on its official social media accounts (YouTube and Facebook) that detailed the outcomes of the investigations. On April 24, 2019, the first live session took place focusing on the North-Central region of Nigeria due to the proximity of PRIMORG’s head office. However, due to the extensive participation by radio listeners, the live session was recorded in Abuja (Nigerian Info), edited, and sent to radio stations in the South-East (Blaze FM Oraifite), Ilorin (Albarka FM), Lagos (Kiss FM 98.9 and Raypower FM). Initially, the program was broadcast live on Nigerian Info Abuja on Wednesdays at 10 am and rebroadcasted on 99.9 Kiss FM. On May 13, 2020, due to the COVID restrictions at Nigerian Info, PRIMORG moved its live broadcast to KISS FM 99.9 at 10 am on Wednesdays. It rebroadcasted on Raypower FM (Abuja) on Fridays at 3:30 pm , Raypower FM (Lagos), Albaka FM, and Blaze FM on Fridays at 5:00 pm, 3 pm, and 11 am, respectively. Albarka FM  recognized the large audience generated by the program and provided a platform for rebroadcast purposes beyond PRIMORG’s airing contract. The rebroadcasted sessions run for 30 minutes.[21] The live program involved phone calls, text messages, and social media interactions from the listeners with questions, suggestions, and opinions. The radio program on the electricity metering system generated feedback from listeners and communities negatively affected by the electric metering system, such as excessive charges, inadequate power supply, bureaucracy, corrupt practices, and inefficiency of electricity companies. An example of communities affected was the Pegi community, a resettlement area located in Kuje Area Council, Abuja. On August 7, 2019, the first amplification on electric metering report featured representatives from the Pegi community, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to bear their grievances and proffer solutions to the ineffective service, respectively. 

The dialogue phase showed the self-imposed position of intermediary played by PRIMORG between the stakeholders and the citizens involved. Regarding the electricity metering, PRIMORG helped collate citizens’ complaints and ensured that the concerned electric metering companies took drastic steps to resolve the complaints. This took place via radio town hall meetings in Imo State and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory) on July 26 and September 28, 2019.[22] A town hall meeting organized by PRIMORG took place in the Pegi community, with relevant stakeholders and officers of electric metering in Abuja in attendance. The issues raised were adequately resolved, which entailed the provision of electric meters, redistribution of electricity, and adequate billing method. Also, in 2020, the radio town-hall meetings initiative was commendable due to limitations precipitated by the COVID pandemic. As a result, eighteen radio town-hall meetings were recorded between September 2020 and March 2021. The intermediary position featured follow-up through emails, meetings, and negotiations with the electricity companies to ensure that the Pegi community had their complaints resolved. Sensitization and awareness programs were deployed at various birth registration centers to urge effective and efficient discharge of duties by birth registration officers. There was also the organization of seminars for birth registration officials to identify their challenges and ensure a corrupt-free process in the discharge of duties. The was followed by the amplification on its radio and social media platforms, emphasizing the free acquisition of birth certificates for those under the age of 18 as stipulated by the National Population Commission (NPC).[23] On December 9, 2019, PRIMORG and the ICIR embarked on a sensitization campaign to the Federal Medical Center, Jabi, Abuja to create awareness on the corruption and extortion activities prevalent in birth registration among Nigerians especially women. This led to the report sharing phase, which featured regular updates in the form of progress reports. This involves publishing its activities in resolving corrupt practices on its social media accounts, sharing on radio, sending to relevant anti-corruption agencies and stakeholders. PRIMORG submits petitions and letters of invitation to its radio program to anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution of defaulters.

At the end of the project, Pegi community, twelve other communities, and fifty-two households benefitted tremendously from PRIMORG’s amplification of the report on electricity metering evident in the provision of prepaid meters and transformers. Some of the other communities 

include Kuje, Mpape, Gidan Sankara, Dutse Makaranta and Chukuku.[24] Also, there was an increase in birth registration among the citizens deterred by the exorbitant fees attached to birth registration. 

Also, PRIMORG applauds citizens who have exhibited integrity on its radio program. That is, promote “positive models by amplifying stories of integrity and ethical behaviors among citizens and anti-corruption champions.”[25] Notable among the thirteen integrity icons include collaborations with Accountability Lab (a civic organization located in Nigeria) on Integrity Icon Awards which identified exemplary students in public institutions who exhibit integrity, DSP. Francis Erhabor Osagie (Divisional Police Officer, D-Division, Itam, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State who rejected bribes in the discharge of his duties), Dr. Magdalene Igbolo (Head of Sociology Department, University of Abuja) and Keith Mali Chu who returned $80,000 worth of bitcoin erroneously paid into his account.[26] This was in line with the approval of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on August 19, 2020. “The Policy was approved for the good and ethical conduct of the Nigerian citizenry.”[27]

Although the project culminated in March 2021, it served as an information hub for citizens and drew attention to corrupt practices inherent in public offices in Nigeria. This included 104 episodes of radio amplification and a total of 529 episodes of Public Conscience on Radio across its affiliated radio stations. Street vox pop and radio program nuggets carried out through the “VOICES AGAINST CORRUPTION: let the people speak” production serves as feedback mechanisms to interact with citizens on various issues. At the end of the project, thirty-six vox pops with at least 360 participants were recorded within and outside Abuja.[28] Also, PRIMORG initiated end-of-project dissemination and launch of the report from March and May 2021. Perhaps, the success of recorded precipitated the project’s renewal set to kick off in the last quarter of 2021, in which PRIMORG hopes to expand its radio coverage and citizens’ reach.[29]

Influence, Outcomes, and Effects

PRIMORG is focused on tackling the problems hindering good governance and accountability rather than shaming ‘scapegoats’ considered responsible for lapses in governance. As a result, PRIMORG had enjoyed a massive collaboration with stakeholders and agencies identified in reports amplified. In April 2021, Public Conscience on Radio program had sensitized ten million Nigerians on their rights and fight against corruption since inception. This included 307,409 people engaged on social media; 416 Public Conscience on Radio syndications; 26 Radio Town Hall meetings; 2 Community Town Hall meetings; 36 Vox pops (public opinion); and over 1,090 feedbacks from listeners.[30] It has ensured the dismissal of corrupt government officials such as an official of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); reduced corruption in electricity metering scheme in Pegi community in Abuja in partnership with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Also, PRIMORG’s amplification agenda contributed to setting a limit for DisCos at 1800 naira for citizens without prepaid meters by the Federal government and a Bill to end billing to customers. As a result, eleven Distribution companies were barred by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from charging residential customers above 78-kilowatt hour monthly until the customers are metered.[31] The Bill sponsored by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, seeks to reduce the corrupt practices of over-estimating, bribery, extortion, and ineffectiveness prevalent in the electricity metering process. At the end of the project, some achievements include the indictment of erring public officials, provision of basic amenities, increased awareness among the populace, and a better interactive platform between the government and the governed.

Analysis and Lessons Learned

PRIMORG has equipped a large population with the knowledge on government activities to foster transparency.[32] However, according to Mr. Okhiria Agbonsuremi (Executive Director, PRIMORG), government apathy is evident in little or no action from the government on investigative corruption reports published by media houses and civic organizations. In implementing its activities, PRIMORG has faced certain hurdles such as bureaucracy and impunity by government agencies and officials. The bureaucratic process also hinders access to information from Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). A major challenge was restrictions instituted due to the COVID pandemic. This was evident in restrictions on field investigations, community town-hall meetings, and outreach programs. However, after weeks of non-activity, PRIMORG surmounted this hurdle by adopting the radio town-hall meeting, which recorded massive participation through phone calls, text messages, and social media engagement. 

PRIMORG has been applauded by its partners and collaborators for its anti-corruption activities. For instance, Azuka Ogugua (a spokesperson for ICPC) commended PRIMORG for “using its various platforms to put the fight against corruption on the front-burner of national discuss”[33] The Radio Town-Hall meeting approach has received commendations from citizens, partners, and stakeholders. According to Dayo Olaide, Deputy Director MacArthur Foundation Africa, “Nothing can be more empowering than the type of work PRIMORG is doing, and I think it is really rewarding to see a lot of Nigerians, whether they are professionals or not, can call into radio town hall meetings, talk during Vox Pop.”[34] Community members have also eulogized the impact of Public Conscience on Radio in their communities. For instance, Taiwo Aderibigbe (Chairman, Pegi Residents Association) revealed that the project impacted the community, educated the residents of the community and other dwellers of the Federal Capital Territory against sharp practices and extortion of unmetered customers by some staff of electricity metering providers. “I must confess that in the last two years, the service provided by AEDC improved after PRIMORG’s radio town hall meeting and follow up.”[35] 

References

[1] Bonnie Brennen, “What the hacks say: The ideological prism of US journalism texts.” Journalism, April 2000, Vol 1: 109.

[2] Musikilu Mojeed, “Interview: Why MacArthur Foundation is investing billions in Nigeria — Africa Director, Kole Shettima,” September 12, 2021, Premium Times, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/484399-interview-why-macarthur-foundation-is-investing-billions-in-nigeria-africa-director-kole-shettima.html.

[3] Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u, “Investigative Journalism and Scandal Reporting in the Nigerian Press.” ECQUID NOVI, December 1, 2010, Vol 30:2, 155-174, DOI:10.1080/02560054.2009.9653400, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02560054.2009.9653400?journalCode=recq20.

[4] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on July 12, 2021.

[5] Joel Ajayi, “Corruption: PRIMORG Engages 10 million Nigerians in Two Years,” May 19, 2021, The Gleamer,  Corruption: PRIMORG Engages 10 Million Nigerians In Two Years - The Gleamer News.

[6] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online: The Experience of PRIMORG 2019-2021, https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PRIMORG’s-Report-2021.pdf, 7.

Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities 

[7]  “PRIMORG Structure” PRIMORG https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PROFILE-1.pdf, 6, CAC/IT/NO/99438.  

[8] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on July 12, 2021

[9] “Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development,” MacArthur Foundation, https://www.macfound.org/grantee/progressive-impact-organization-for-community-development-10114941/

[10] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on July 12, 2021

[11] “Community Driven Development” Participedia, accessed July 29, 2021, https://participedia.net/method/7413

[12] “Have Your Say Dialogue Forums” Participedia, accessed August 2, 2021,  https://participedia.xyz/case/5176

[13] “Mission Statement” PRIMORG https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PROFILE-1.pdf, 4, CAC/IT/NO/99438

[14] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo.

[15] Ibid.

[16] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online: The Experience of PRIMORG 2019-2021, https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PRIMORG’s-Report-2021.pdf, 6. 

[17] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on September 17, 2021.

[18] Lukman Abolade, “ICIR, PRIMORG task FG to end extortion during childbirth registration,” December 9, 2019, ICIR, ICIR, PRIMORG task FG to end extortion during childbirth registration | International Centre for Investigative Reporting (icirnigeria.org).

[19] Jennifer Ugwa, “Birth Registration Is Low in Imo, Rivers, and Govt. Officials Are Responsible,” May 28, 2019, ICIR Birth registration is low in Imo, Rivers, and govt. officials are responsible | International Centre for Investigative Reporting (icirnigeria.org).

[20] Abiose Adams, “INVESTIGATION: Prepaid Electricity Meters-A Scheme That Has Become A Scam,” Apil 15, 2019, The Cable, INVESTIGATION: Prepaid electricity meters -- a scheme that became a scam | TheCable.

[21] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on September 17, 2021.

[22] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online: The Experience of PRIMORG 2019-2021, https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PRIMORG’s-Report-2021.pdf, 24. 

[23] Lukman Abolade, “ICIR, PRIMORG task FG to end extortion during childbirth registration,”

[24] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online: The Experience of PRIMORG 2019-2021, https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PRIMORG’s-Report-2021.pdf, 35. 

[25] “Projects” PRIMORG https://primorg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PROFILE-1.pdf, 8, CAC/IT/NO/99438.

[26] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online, 10. 

[27] “FEC Approves National Ethics and Integrity Policy” September 1, 2020, ICPC https://icpc.gov.ng/2020/09/10/fec-approves-national-ethics-and-integrity-policy/

[28] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online, 27.

[29] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on September 17, 2021.

[30] Joel Ajayi, “Corruption: PRIMORG Engages 10 million Nigerians in Two Years,” May 19, 2021, The Gleamer,  Corruption: PRIMORG Engages 10 Million Nigerians In Two Years - The Gleamer News.

[31] “FG Sets Limit For DisCos,” February 26, 2020, Daily Trust, https://dailytrust.com/fg-sets-bill-limit-for-discos.

[32] Interview with Adaobi Obiabunmuo, 33 years, Program Manager, PRIMORG, Abuja, Nigeria, on September 17, 2021.

[33] Joel Ajayi, “ICPC Says It Is Promoting Anti-Corruption Studies in Nigerian Schools,” May 27, 2021, African Community News, ICPC says it is promoting anti-corruption studies in Nigerian schools, commends PRIMORG | African Community News (africanleadershipscorecard.com)

[34] PRIMORG, Tackling Corruption On Air and Online, 3.

[35] “PRIMORG’s Anti-Corruption Radio Programme- Public Conscience Receives Accolades From MacArthur Foundation, Others,” March 25, 2021, African Community News, https://www.africanleadershipscorecard.com/2021/03/primorgs-anti-corruption-radio-programme-public-conscience-receives-accolades-from-macarthur-foundation-others/

 External Links

https://fb.watch/7XTFp9b67e/ “PRIMORG Radio Town Hall Meeting on electricity metering” September 24, 2019, Facebook PRIMORG

https://fb.watch/7XTOg1dzj9/ “PUBLIC CONSCIENCE ON RADIO.TOPIC: The Electricity Distribution and Metering challenge in Nigeria. By PRIMORG with support from the MacArthur Foundation” September 4, 2019

https://fb.watch/7XT_Xp8-vC/ “Birth Registration and Certificate Extortion” July 10, 2019

https://fb.watch/7XTYdSsPcr/ “Birth Registration for persons under the age of 18 is FREE!” September 11, 2019