CODE Announces New Leadership to Drive Citizen Accountability

By Julian Osamoto

Connected Development (CODE), Africa’s leading civil society organisation championing citizen-led accountability, has marked its 13th anniversary with a call to deepen grassroots participation in governance while unveiling a new leadership team to sustain its continental impact.

At a news briefing in Abuja, Chief Executive Hamzat Lawal reflected on CODE’s journey from its 2012 “Save Bagega” campaign, which forced government action on a devastating lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara State to becoming a movement active in over 12 African countries.

Over the years, CODE’s flagship initiative, Follow the Money, has tracked over N400 billion in budgeted funds, ensuring investments reached health centres, schools, water projects, and other essential infrastructure in more than 3,000 communities.

The organisation has also played a key role in campaigns such as Not Too Young to Run and the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP).

“Transparency is not a privilege, it is a right,” Lawal said, while acknowledging challenges faced in demanding accountability within opaque systems. “We have shown time and again that ordinary citizens can drive extraordinary change.”

As he temporarily steps down to pursue a Master’s degree in Governance, Development, and Public Policy in the UK, Lawal announced two major appointments:

Mukhtar Modibo Halilu will function as Secretary General of Follow the Money International, with a mandate to expand its reach to at least 20 African countries by 2030.

Hyeladzira Mshelia, is the Head of Office/Acting CEO of CODE, tasked with steering the organisation through its next phase while preserving its culture of citizen-centred advocacy.

“These appointments are not just administrative changes, they symbolise continuity, renewal, and our collective commitment to ensuring CODE and Follow the Money remain stronger than any individual.” Lawal said

CODE’s work has earned global recognition, including the United Nations SDG Mobilizer Award and the Council of Europe Democracy Innovation Award, underscoring its role in reshaping governance and citizen participation across Africa.

The leadership transition signals CODE’s vision to scale up its reach, leverage technology for accountability, and build a new generation of African changemakers.