“We’ve always felt ignored when it comes to community infrastructure , but the radio program gave us a platform to speak and be heard. Now, the government is acting and it shows that change is possible.”- Deborah from Edo State

In Edo State, a growing crisis in the primary healthcare sector has long plagued citizens, many of whom were left without access to affordable or quality medical care. Recent data shows that communities across the state have been grappling with dilapidated public healthcare facilities, lack of essential drugs, and absentee health workers. To address this challenge, Accountability Lab (AL) Nigeria launched a radio show tagged ‘’Voices of the Community’’ to bridge the gap between citizens and government. The program provides a platform for community members to voice their concerns and engage relevant stakeholders. It also supports citizens to access procurement information through the ‘AI in Open Contracting’ platform. During the show, callers highlighted procurement irregularities and the lack of basic amenities in their communities.

Their concerns struck a chord during an episode that focused on health-related procurement. Community members called in to highlight the lack of quality healthcare in several communities. The program sparked widespread conversation and triggered the attention of government officials. As a result of this advocacy and community engagement, and in response to citizens’ concerns raised, the Edo State Government has committed to strengthening primary healthcare services across the state.

“We are taking steps in our collective mission to strengthen the PHC system and improve healthcare outcomes,” Mr Idahosa, the Deputy Governor of Edo state said.

Mr Idahosa said the pledge was in line with Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE (Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education) agenda. Blessing Anolaba, the Storytelling Development Officer noted that the government is now taking steps to ensure that communities have access to affordable and quality medical care.

“After an episode where community members were calling in to complain about inadequate primary healthcare  during the show we have running in Edo state, the government of the state made a commitment in ensuring quality primary healthcare centers in the state. We are excited to see that government is beginning to take actions that benefit the people through our advocacy efforts ’’ she said.

Similarly, in Ekiti State, citizen feedback during the radio program on public procurement highlighted the persistent issue of poor electricity supply, particularly in the Housing Road area, Ekiti state. Deborah, a resident of that area, voiced her frustrations about the long-standing power outages that had disrupted livelihoods and local businesses. In response to this outcry, the government has taken steps to address the issue by initiating a transformer installation project in the affected area. This intervention not only restored hope to the community but also demonstrated the impact citizens’ engagement can have in driving responsive governance and tangible development outcomes.

AL Nigeria’s approach to supporting citizens to understand procurement processes and demand improved service delivery has proven effective. More importantly, citizens are now more informed, vocal, and active in holding the government accountable. Through ongoing radio programs and advocacy efforts, AL Nigeria continues to support citizens in advocating for accountable and citizen-centered public service delivery.

 “It’s good that people have a platform to raise complaints about what the government is not doing right.” – Otoide Kelly, Presenter