The Missing Link: Connecting Citizens, Policy & Development | SDCI Civic Dialogue 2026

What really stands between government policies and the development citizens experience in their everyday lives? At the official launch of the Sustainable Development Conversations Initiative (SDCI), stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, media and youth leadership came together for a civic dialogue themed: “The Missing Link: Connecting Citizens, Policy and Development.” The conversation explored how policies move from decisions on paper to actual development in communities, the role citizens play in shaping and monitoring governance, the importance of access to information, and why stronger engagement between institutions and the people they serve is necessary for sustainable development. The session was moderated by Jane Mann-Effiong, Education & Gender Equality Advocate, Media Professional and Founder of The GEM Initiative. Panelists Mustapha Ango — Non-Profit Sector, Wunti Al-Khair Foundation Farouq Siyi (Representing Hayatudeen Babamaji) — Government Sector, Bureau for ICT (BICT) Bauchi Bulak Afsa — Journalist, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Bauchi Aishatu Hassan — Academia/Education, Eesha’s Learning Foundation Mohammad Idris Musa — Youth Representative, Speaker, Bauchi State Youth Parliament The discussion formed part of the SDCI Launch Event & Civic Dialogue, held on 15 August 2026 at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi State. SDCI exists to strengthen the connection between citizens, evidence, policy and development through research, civic education, policy conversations, partnerships and public engagement. Watch the full conversation, share your thoughts in the comments, and join the conversation on what it will take to make governance and development more responsive to citizens. Learn more about SDCI: sdcinitiative.com #SDCI #CivicDialogue #Policy #Governance #CitizenEngagement #SustainableDevelopment #Bauchi #Nigeria #PublicPolicy #Development