The initiative was designed to create a platform where citizens and security agencies could openly engage, share perspectives, and work together toward building safer communities rooted in mutual respect and accountability.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who was represented by Dr. Kelechi Akubueze, emphasized that human rights and security are not opposing goals. He noted that respect for human rights strengthens security institutions because communities are more willing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies when trust exists.

Speaking on behalf of LICDA, the Operations and Partnership Lead, Mrs. Chukwu Gloria Chidiebere, explained that the dialogue was organized to bridge the gap between citizens and security agencies, providing an opportunity for open communication, learning, and collaboration.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Otunba Bolaji Adigun, highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts and addressing challenges within communities. According to him, consistent engagement between citizens and security institutions is essential for sustainable peace and community development.

A representative of the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Department, Odoh O. Fidelis, also spoke about existing complaint and accountability systems that allow members of the public to report misconduct by police officers. He reassured participants that officers found guilty of violations are investigated and sanctioned accordingly.

As part of the program, a panel discussion was held to deepen the conversation on trust, accountability, and cooperation between citizens and security institutions. The panel featured representatives from the police, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and a civil society participant, who shared experiences and perspectives on how citizens and security agencies can work together more effectively.

The event brought together representatives from several security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Community Relations Committee, and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), alongside members of the National Youth Service Corps. Through dialogue, training, and shared learning, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and promoting human rights in Nigeria.

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to promote justice, accountability, and stronger trust between citizens and security agencies across Nigeria.

The MoU was signed under the Building Trust Project, an initiative aimed at improving relationships between communities and security institutions. The project is supported by Legal Empowerment Fund and the Fund for Global Human Rights.

Through this collaboration, LICDA and NHRC Nigeria will work together to:

• Promote human rights awareness and education
• Encourage constructive dialogue between citizens and security agencies
• Strengthen accountability and justice mechanisms
• Support security institutions in upholding the highest human rights standards
• Build sustainable community engagement platforms

This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement, it is a practical step toward creating safer communities where citizens feel heard, respected, and protected.

At LICDA, we believe that lasting peace and development depend on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By working closely with NHRC Nigeria and key stakeholders, we are committed to moving from tension to trust and from silence to constructive engagement.

We also recognize the important role of grassroots collaboration and look forward to continued engagement with partners such as Grassroot Justice Network.

LICDA remains dedicated to empowering citizens, strengthening institutions, and advancing sustainable development through strategic partnerships and evidence-based advocacy.

Together, we are building communities where justice is not only demanded, but delivered.

The advancement has exposed the persistent gender inequalities which include wage differences and insufficient female representation in leadership positions across public and private domains and the increasing danger of technology-based gender-based violence. The digital and green economy presents new opportunities to women but many continue to face exclusion while harmful online content perpetuates negative gender stereotypes. The complete realisation of global changes requires immediate action to eliminate labor market inequalities through specific advocacy programs and training initiatives that prepare women for digital sector success while creating a sustainable and secure future.

Lift for Citizen’s Development and Advancement (LICDA) supports this mission through its Digital Economy and Safer Environment Project which works to improve digital literacy and inclusion for women while enabling them to build wealth and economic strength through environmentally responsible practices.

Why Gender Matters in the Transition Period

The transition to digital and green economic systems represents a fundamental social change beyond economic transformation. These transitions transform business operations while creating new leadership models and transforming community relationships and development patterns.

Women who lead small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now have access to new business opportunities through the digital economy which previously did not exist or were out of reach. E-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and online marketing tools can help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses far beyond their local communities. At the same time, green economy principles encourage sustainable practices that protect our environment and future.

But here is the truth: if women are not actively included in this transition, the benefits will be uneven, and inequalities could deepen. Gender inclusion isn’t just a fairness issue, it is an economic necessity. When women participate fully, businesses grow faster, innovation rises, and communities become more resilient.

Challenges to Women’s Advancement

Despite the promise of this new era, women continue to face multiple barriers:

• Structural Inequalities: Persistent wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership mean women often earn less and have less influence in shaping the policies that affect their industries.
  
• Digital Exclusion: Many grassroots women entrepreneurs still lack access to the internet, digital devices, or the skills to use them effectively.
  
• Safety Risks: Online spaces have also given rise to technology-facilitated gender-based violence — harassment, cyberstalking, and harmful content that further  reinforce harmful stereotypes.
  
• Knowledge Gaps: A large number of women-led SMEs are unaware of how digital tools can help them adopt environmentally friendly business practices, from reducing waste to lowering carbon footprints.

These challenges are interconnected. Without targeted interventions, they can lock women out of the very opportunities that could transform their lives and communities.

Solutions and the Way Forward

LICDA’s Digital Economy and Safer Environment Project was designed to break down these barriers and create real, lasting change. The project focuses on:

• Enhancing Digital Literacy: Training women in the use of digital tools for marketing, sales, financial management, and collaboration.
  
• Promoting Green Business Models: Teaching climate-smart business practices that protect the environment while boosting profits.
  
• Advocacy for Inclusion: Engaging policymakers, the private sector, and community leaders to support gender-inclusive strategies in both the digital and green sectors.
  
• Upskilling for Emerging Opportunities: Preparing women entrepreneurs to compete for jobs and contracts in high-growth digital industries.

This “green and clean” approach ensures women can grow their income without compromising environmental best practices. It’s about equipping women to succeed today while safeguarding the future for generations to come.

Conclusion

The global shift toward a digital and green economy is one of the defining changes of our time,  and women must be at the centre of it. The Digital Economy and Safer Environment Project is LICDA’s commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind in this transition.

By giving women the skills, tools, and opportunities to lead, we are not just creating better businesses — we are building stronger communities, healthier environments, and a more equitable world.

The future is digital. The future is green. The future must be inclusive. The future is female.

Our Partners

INTRODUCTION

The Lift for Citizens Development and Advancement (LICDA), a non-profit organization that promotes the enhancement of  digital rights while curbing abuses as well as promoting generally human rights, public health, accountability and good governance in Nigeria and beyond is implementing a project to promote citizens (fundamental human) rights, discourage abuse and enhance the professional capacity of security personnel to discharge their duties within the confines of the laws in Nigeria and other global best standards of policing. 

LICDA is an equal opportunity employer and seeks capable and suitably qualified Consultants to help implement the project in the project states. 

 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This is an invitation to Tender for Consultants to implement the Building Trust Project by providing Research Literature and Capacity Building on Citizens (Fundamental Human Rights). The table 1 below shows the tender description.

This invitation to tender is for a Legal Practitioner, a team of Legal Practitioners or a Law firm capable of undertaking research and providing structured capacity building training for paralegals and the general citizens. 

 PROJECT SCOPE

The scope of services to be provided by the Consultant includes the following:-

1. Conduct research on applicable laws and decided cases on citizens (fundamental human) rights in Nigeria.
2. Develop a concise paper on Citizens (Fundamental Human )Rights In Nigeria
3. Develop structured and concise learning materials on Fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria
4. Training of paralegals, youths, teenagers, security personnel on fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria.

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

The tender will be evaluated on a rolling basis and a suitable candidate shall be selected on the basis of the following:

1. A well-structured methodology that outlines the processes for implementing the Terms of Reference.
2. The Consultant or in the case of a team, the team lead must have been called to Bar for not less than five years
3. Cognate experience in:
4. Research and review of legal instruments/literatures.
5. Experience in facilitating capacity building workshops and training.
6. Effective communication skills and ability to transfer skills and capacity through learning and mentorship experiences.
7. Keen awareness and understanding of the statutory and legal frameworks in Nigeria.
8. Consultants must demonstrate capacity to deliver the project considering all stakeholders (i.e., Lawyers, security personnel, paralegals and generally young persons) in a cost-effective way.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR BID SUBMISSION

Mandatory

Submissions must be backed by evidence of:

1. Evidence of call to bar as a Legal practitioner in Nigeria for the lead Consultant.
2. Evidence of Capacity building workshops and mentorships provided for similar work.
3. Name, position, phone number and email address of key contact person

 TENDER SUBMISSION

Bid/ tender document must be submitted via email to licdaoffice@gmail.com on or before 4pm on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025.

 COST: The vendor must prepare a detailed and final cost analysis of the project based on the work activities listed in the project scope.

 VALIDITY OF QUOTATION: Price submission will remain valid for 1 month.

 PAYMENT TERMS: consultant’s preferred milestone payment terms should be clearly stated in the proposal.

 PROJECT DELIVERY TIMELINE: 1 month

 For any clarifications kindly send a mail to: – licdaoffice@gmail.com

“Building Trust: A Community-Centered Approach to Abating Law Enforcement Abuses and Upholding Citizens’ (Youth) Rights”

This groundbreaking project with support from Legal Empowerment Funds (LEF), kicked off with an inception and strategy meeting, setting the stage for meaningful change in police-citizen relations.

A Strategic Approach to Change

The project inception meeting was more than just a gathering—it was a call to action. LICDA brought together legal experts, communication strategists, and program management specialists to equip its new team with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to address law enforcement abuse effectively.

Discussions centered on:

·      Understanding the Police Act and Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution

·      Bridging the gap between law enforcement and communities

·      Empowering young Nigerians with knowledge of their legal rights

·      Promoting accountability within security agencies through advocacy

Onboarding a Team of Change-Makers

·      A major highlight of the session was the onboarding of LICDA’s dynamic new team—a passionate group of individuals committed to fighting for justice, fairness, and accountability in law enforcement.

Through this initiative, the team will:

·       Engage with communities to foster trust and dialogue

·      Organize awareness campaigns on youth rights and responsibilities

·      Organise trainings for low ranking officers of the force who interact with Nigerians daily

. Organise training of paralegals to equip them with the necessary skill to guide members of the public on their fundamental human rights and best approaches of relating with law enforcement agencies.

·       Advocate for policy reforms that ensure police accountability

·       Provide legal support for victims of police abuse

What’s next?

This is just the beginning! LICDA is set to roll out a series of community engagement programs, media campaigns, and policy advocacy efforts to ensure that both youth and law enforcement officers understand their rights and responsibilities.

 Join the Movement! Follow us for updates, get involved, and be a voice for preserving human dignity and rights. Together, we can build a Nigeria where law enforcement truly serves the people.

#TeamLICDA #BuildingTrust #KnowYourRights #PoliceReform #JusticeForAll

Lift for Citizen’s Development and Advancement through its Digital Economy and Safer Environment project is committed to enhance inclusion and digital literacy among women owned and women led SMEs to  create more wealth and strengthen their economic power without compromising environmental best practices to safeguard the environment.  The Project is summarily empowering women to gain advantage of the digital economy in a “green and clean way”. boost their income in a green and clean way.