ICIR invites applications for training on budgets, procurement matters reporting

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 17, 2020

THE International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja, in collaboration with the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), is embarking on the second phase of the Open Contract Reporting project.

The project is aimed at building capacity for Nigerian journalists to scrutinise budgetary and procurement issues, with a view to promoting accountability and transparency in the public sector.

The project, funded by a two-year grant from the Macarthur Foundation, is part of its On Nigeria Project, which seeks to reduce corruption by supporting Nigerian-led efforts that strengthen accountability, transparency, and civic participation.

The first phase of the project, executed with a three – year grant from the MacArthur Foundation produced 40 journalists learning about procurement laws and how to scrutinise the contracting process and investigate procurement fraud.

This phase of the project, which targets the media at local levels, will involve providing training for over 100 Nigerian journalists in the six geo-political zones over the next two years.

Unlike the first phase which focused on the national level, the second phase will focus on journalists in 36 states who will concentrate on issues affecting people at the grassroots.

ALSO READ: NUCJ President emerges winner of maiden ICIR Award

The training workshops will be organised regionally and at least three journalists from each state will be shortlisted to benefit in the project.

The training curriculum will cover key areas including Digital Reporting, Investigative Journalism, Data Journalism, Procurement Law, Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, Contract Tracking and Monitoring, among others.

The project will afterwards provide small grants for the journalists to work with The ICIR and appointed mentors to undertake investigative reporting projects on budget, procurement and contracting processes in critical sectors of the economy, including power and electricity, education, water and the environment and health.

The project is open to practising journalists in print, electronic-TV and Radio, and new/digital media who are based in Nigeria. Freelance reporters who are interested in investigative journalism can also partake in the project.

Interested journalists can apply via The ICIR platform.

Female journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted journalists would be contacted.