By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Nigeria — September 1, 2025: Hamzat Lawal, Founder and Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), has marked the organization’s 13th anniversary with reflections on its journey, achievements, and a new phase of leadership.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Lawal recalled how CODE began in 2012 with Save Bagega, a grassroots campaign that drew global attention to a lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara State. The campaign compelled government action that saved hundreds of lives and laid the foundation for CODE’s emergence as Africa’s leading citizen-led accountability movement.
“From that single campaign, we built a movement powered by citizens, driven by youth, and fueled by a vision of a more accountable, transparent, and equitable Africa,” Lawal said.
Over the last 13 years, CODE has grown from a small citizen effort into a continental force for transparency. Through its flagship initiative, Follow The Money (FTM), the group has empowered over 3,000 communities across Nigeria and 12 African countries to demand accountability in governance. According to Lawal, the organization has tracked over ₦400 billion in public funds, ensuring they translate into schools, hospitals, clean water, and infrastructure.
CODE has also played a role in landmark campaigns, including the Not Too Young To Run movement, which lowered the age for political participation in Nigeria, and the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), which monitored billions in emergency funds across Africa.
The organization’s work has earned global recognition, including the 2016 ONE Africa Award, the 2019 UN SDG Mobilizer Award, and the 2019 Council of Europe Democracy Award.
Looking ahead, Lawal announced his temporary step back from day-to-day leadership after being selected as a Chevening Scholar to pursue a Master’s degree in Governance, Development, and Public Policy at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
To ensure continuity, he unveiled two key appointments: an Acting Chief Executive Officer to lead CODE, and a Secretary General for Follow The Money International to coordinate the growing movement across Africa.
“These appointments are not just administrative. They symbolize continuity, renewal, and our collective commitment to ensuring that CODE and Follow The Money remain stronger than any individual,” he noted.
Lawal reaffirmed his personal commitment to the movement, vowing to continue working alongside citizens and communities in Africa and beyond.
“What started as a small cry to save Bagega has become a continental movement that saves lives, protects rights, and amplifies voices,” he concluded. “This is the power of an idea whose time has come. This is the story of CODE. This is the story of Follow The Money.”
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