CAGAD - Centre for Advancement of Governance and Development

About CAGAD

The Centre for Advancement of Governance and Development (CAGAD) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, non-partisan, and research-centred think tank focused on advancing governance, accountability, security, and sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.

We deliver evidence-based research, policy analysis, civic education, advocacy and policy advisory to tackle pressing governance and development challenges. Through bold ideas, cutting-edge research, digital innovation, inclusive dialogue, and stakeholder engagement, we empower citizens, strengthen ethical public leadership, and drive institutional transparency and credibility, especially in fragile or transitional contexts.

CAGAD connects research to action, offering foresighted, practical policy solutions, analysis, and recommendations that advance democracy, peacebuilding, accountability, and human security, while aligning our work and recommendations with global and regional best practices.

Our Vision

Our vision is to become Nigeria and Africa's leading think tank, driving impactful change in advancing good governance, accountability, improved security, and sustainable development through research, policy dialogue, capacity-building, civic education and awareness, technological innovation, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Our Mission

CAGAD's mission is to promote responsive governance, strengthen public leadership accountability, foster citizens' participation in governance, improve human security and sustainable development through evidence-based research, civic and stakeholder engagements, policy advocacy and advisory.

Our Values

Excellence

We strive for the highest quality in all our research, analysis, and recommendations.

Nonpartisanship

We maintain impartiality and do not align with any political party or ideology.

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our activities and relationships.

Inclusivity

We ensure diverse voices and perspectives are represented in our work.

Transparency

We are open about our methods, funding, and decision-making processes.

Objectivity

We base our findings and recommendations on evidence and rigorous analysis.

CAGAD Pledge

“I commit myself to furthering the cause of good governance, justice, equity, and accountability in my country. I stand courageously to identify and question anyone or group engaging in behaviour that contributes to injustice, inequity, and underdevelopment, including abuse of power, privileges, impunity, and misgovernance. I also accept the constructive and civil critique of others to ensure I maintain my commitment to fairness and collective good above personal objectives, despite temptations to do otherwise. I pledge myself to the service of others, irrespective of their background, and do all in my power to be a good leader in advancing good governance, accountability, and development in my country, Africa, and the world. So help me God.”

CAGAD Honor Code

Our Work

Research & Analysis

Conducting cutting-edge evidence-based research on governance and development challenges.

Policy Advisory

Providing timely, actionable, evidence-based policy advice and recommendations to governments, policymakers, and institutions.

Policy Advocacy

Engaging in targeted advocacy campaigns that promote transparency and good governance.

Policy Dialogue

Facilitating constructive dialogues between stakeholders, citizens and policymakers on critical governance issues and creating a platform that enables citizens and stakeholders to co-create solutions.

Civic Engagement

Empowering citizens and communities through civic awareness, engagement and education programmes, capacity building, and digital enlightenment campaigns.

Stakeholder Engagement

Building strong partnerships with policymakers, institutions, civic actors, stakeholders, and development partners.

Focus Areas

Governance

Promoting good governance, strengthening public leadership integrity, and fostering institutional credibility.

Accountability

Promoting transparency and accountability in governance, monitoring public expenditure, evaluating policies' impact and tracking promises and service delivery.

Security

Money security situations, providing evidence-based analysis, addressing human security gaps and improving citizens' safety and stability across communities.

Democracy

Deepening democratic consolidation, monitoring democratic stability, and fostering citizen participation in governance.

Peacebuilding

Fostering peacebuilding, conflict resolution and stability in fragile or transition contexts.

Sustainable Development

Promoting the SDGs, monitoring progress, and advocating for inclusive and sustainable development that meets the needs of present and future generations.

Our Programmes

Elections Credibility Monitoring

Monitoring the credibility of elections in Nigeria and Africa, and providing independent, evidence-based, and non-partisan assessments of elections and electoral processes at regional, national and subnational levels.

Democracy Monitoring Programme

Tracking the health of democracy in Nigeria and Africa by monitoring trends in constitutional governance, the rule of law, civic freedom, civil liberties, democratic institutions, and citizens' participation in governance.

Accountability Monitoring Programme

Monitoring and tracking government performance, transparent budgeting, fiscal responsibility, service delivery on promises, anti-corruption initiatives and evidence for abuse of office, public trust and institutional credibility.

Security Monitoring Programme

Monitoring and tracking security incidents, analysing conflict and insecurity trends, including terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, and communal violence, providing early warning, conflict mapping, policy briefs, and advisory guides for governments, institutions, communities, and security actors.

Civic Engagement Programme

Building platforms and tools for citizens' engagement, including youth, women, and underrepresented groups, to effectively participate in governance processes, drive change, and co-create solutions.

Central Africa Programme

Focusing on political, economic, and social developments across the Central African subregion.

East Africa Programme

Analysing and providing independent assessment on political, economic, and social developments across the East African subregion.

North Africa Programme

Driving independent thinking, analysing, and evaluating political, economic, and social developments in the North African region.

Sahel Programme

Monitoring, assessing and evaluating political, economic, and social developments across the Sahel region, including broader regional integration, geopolitical dynamics, political stability, and regional and international relations with a particular focus on the Alliance of Sahel States.

Southern Africa Programme

Focusing on political, economic, and social developments across the Southern African subregion.

West Africa Programme

Monitoring and evaluating political, economic, and social developments across the West African subregion, including regional integration, governance, and democratic stability.

International Affairs Programme

Providing independent thinking and conducting evidence-based policy research and analysis on how international regimes, geopolitics, and global events impact Africa, providing policy advice and recommendations on how African states and institutions could effectively promote national and regional interests and development in a competing and divided world system.

Nigeria in Africa and the World Programme

Serves as a hub for strategic, long-term, independent thinking, analysis, and research about Nigeria's governance and development realities, foreign policy choices, and relationships with Africa and the world.

Regional Security Programme

Monitor regional dynamics and provide cutting-edge, policy-relevant research on the regional security landscape, focusing on the root causes and impact of non-state violence.

Regional Institutions and Governance Programme

Providing evidence-based research and policy analyses on the role and policies of regional institutions in Africa and how regional actors, such as the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS, Southern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), and others, can strengthen regional governance, fostering greater integration and stability, and promote regional peace, security, prosperity, and development in Africa.

Advancing Governance and Development in Africa