SDN

SDN SDN supports the efforts of those affected by the extractives industry and weak governance. Our work currently focuses on the Niger Delta.
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Our organisational pillars of research & advocacy and supporting core tools of capacity building and pilot projects help facilitate communities and civil society to communicate a shared vision and negotiate with other stakeholders to get a better deal from the investments and operations that affect their lives, livelihoods and environment.

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) is excited to announce the successful completion of a series of capacity-building tr...
14/04/2026

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) is excited to announce the successful completion of a series of capacity-building training sessions in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. These dynamic sessions brought together the HCDT Advisory Committee members and dedicated community-based Independent HCDT Data Reporting Agents. Our mission? To empower participants with essential skills for effective monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of HCDT initiatives in the vibrant Niger Delta region.

A highlight of the training was the unveiling of the I-HCDT Monitor, an innovative digital tool designed by SDN. This groundbreaking tool empowers communities to track projects, access essential information, and report on HCDT activities in real time, revolutionising engagement with development efforts.

The key takeaway from our sessions was clear, when communities are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can confidently demand accountability, monitor progress, and significantly shape their futures. We are inspired by the power of technology, especially when it is developed in partnership with the people it serves. It fosters information sharing, promotes transparency, and amplifies community voices.

SDN remains committed to advancing inclusive participation, strengthening local ownership, and driving accountability across development efforts in the Niger Delta, because lasting progress must be shaped by the people it serves.

SDN recently hosted a multi-stakeholder roundtable, bringing together dedicated representatives from INEC, Persons with ...
26/03/2026

SDN recently hosted a multi-stakeholder roundtable, bringing together dedicated representatives from INEC, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare, the National Orientation Agency, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Our goal? To enhance inclusive participation in the electoral process throughout Rivers State. This engaging dialogue highlighted several important barriers faced by PWDs, including challenges with voter registration and access to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as well as barriers to their involvement in political parties. Stakeholders passionately stressed the need for innovative tailored solutions that truly address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

We also shared SDN's ongoing initiatives to promote inclusion, including incorporating PWD priorities into the Women and Youth Agenda and maintaining strong partnerships with political parties to advance inclusive policies and practices. Participants recognised the significant strides made by INEC, like decentralising voter registration and implementing online options. The introduction of sign language interpreters was particularly noteworthy.

Yet, there is a strong call for even more practical support, think assistive voting tools and increased public awareness. SDN is wholeheartedly committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to build robust, inclusive systems, ensuring that everyone can proudly participate in our democratic process.

Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind!

Join us for an important conversation on Responsible Divestment.SOMO, SDN, and AIDA are proud to launch the Internationa...
24/03/2026

Join us for an important conversation on Responsible Divestment.

SOMO, SDN, and AIDA are proud to launch the International Principles for Responsible Divestment, and we invite you to be part of this milestone event.

Date: 24 March 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 WAT

Hear from leading voices as they share insights on building a just and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4tJZK8TKQCG0Yq3kv278ow #/

Today, we joyfully celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and transformative contributions of women in Nigeria’s...
08/03/2026

Today, we joyfully celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and transformative contributions of women in Nigeria’s digital economy! At SDN, we believe digital inclusion is about much more than access to technology; it’s about unlocking opportunities, fostering economic empowerment, and tackling the structural inequalities that have historically held women back in the workforce.

Our insightful research, "Digital Delta: The Digital Gender Gap in the Niger Delta," highlights both the progress we’ve made together and the challenges that remain in ensuring all women can fully engage in the digital economy. While it’s inspiring to see that over two-thirds of adults in the Niger Delta are now online, we must acknowledge that women are still about 11% less likely than men to access the internet, leaving approximately 1.7 million women offline across the four key states in the region.

This gap is significant, especially as more economic activities, entrepreneurial ventures, and career opportunities shift online. If we don’t address this digital exclusion, we risk exacerbating existing inequalities. Additionally, our findings reveal that even among women who own smartphones, many lack the confidence, training, or awareness to navigate digital pathways that could lead to remote work, business growth, and active participation in the digital landscape.

For over five years, SDN has worked to dismantle these barriers by equipping women with essential digital and soft skills, supporting women-led businesses in harnessing digital tools, and advocating for policies that foster gender-inclusive digital ecosystems throughout the Niger Delta. Through initiatives like the "Reducing Digital Gender Gaps in the Niger Delta" project, we have proudly trained over 1,500 women and collaborated with civil society and government to ensure that women are not just connected but genuinely empowered to thrive in this digital age.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equipping women across the Niger Delta with the skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary to shape the region’s digital future. Happy International Women’s Day!

We invite you to explore our report: "Digital Delta: Reducing Digital Gender Gap in the Niger Delta."

Read the full report here: https://sdn.ngo/reducing-digital-gender-gaps-in-the-niger-delta/

SDN is excited to support the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Rivers State Chapter, t...
09/02/2026

SDN is excited to support the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Rivers State Chapter, to advance accessibility and representation in the electoral process. A 7-point communique was presented at a rally recently held to INEC office in Port Harcourt.

This communique emerged from a brainstorming session in December 2025, during which various disability clusters collaborated with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation to develop recommendations to deepen their inclusion in the electoral process before and during elections.

This is part of SDN's Strengthening Inclusion and Participation (SIP) Project, supported by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).

At SDN, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive democracy. We believe that a vibrant society empowers everyone, regardless of their abilities, to express their opinions and make meaningful contributions.

Our goal is to enhance citizen engagement in political, electoral, and developmental areas. Together, let’s strive for a more equitable society, ensuring that no one is left behind.

We recently concluded a productive, impactful two-day staff retreat that met our needs. During these two full days, we e...
04/02/2026

We recently concluded a productive, impactful two-day staff retreat that met our needs. During these two full days, we engaged in purposeful reflection and realignment as a cohesive team. We conducted a thorough review of our work and facilitated open, constructive discussions regarding our programs, finance, and administrative operations.

This process enabled us to refine our approach to delivering meaningful, high-impact projects while upholding the highest standards of professionalism across all aspects of our organisation. Additionally, we held substantive discussions on gender inclusion and gender equity.

As an organisation, we reaffirmed our commitment to gender sensitivity across all our initiatives, ensuring that inclusion is not merely a stated objective but a fundamental practice in our daily operations.

The retreat afforded us the opportunity to connect, rejuvenate, and engage in team-bonding activities.

As we move forward, we do so feeling re-energised, aligned, and prepared to continue delivering quality, impactful work in the Niger Delta and beyond.

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared and express ...
24/12/2025

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared and express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, beneficiaries, donors, and supporters.

Your unwavering support has been a tremendous source of strength for our work within communities, helping us deepen our connections with various stakeholders at regional, national, and international levels.

Together, we have made significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights, including the essential right to a healthy environment in the Niger Delta. As we consider the milestones we have achieved this year, we wish you a peaceful and restorative holiday season and a truly joyful 2026.

During this time of rest, we'd like to invite you to explore some of our published reports here: https://sdn.ngo/sdn-publications/

On December 10, 2025, SDN held an inspiring brainstorming session with representatives from the Persons with Disabilitie...
16/12/2025

On December 10, 2025, SDN held an inspiring brainstorming session with representatives from the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) clusters in Rivers State. Our main goal was to work together to uncover the barriers that hinder PwDs from participating in elections and to outline impactful advocacy strategies for key stakeholders.

This gathering, coinciding with International Human Rights Day, highlighted the vital significance of empowering PwDs to take an active role in the electoral process.

Throughout our conversations, we crafted a detailed communiqué that clearly conveyed the needs of PwDs while proposing innovative solutions tailored for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Rivers, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and other relevant organisations.

It was a proud moment to share this communiqué with the press, especially as it bore the co-signatures of leaders from all six PwD clusters in Rivers State, including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Rivers Chapter Chairman. This unified representation showcased the resilience and leadership of the PwD community, marking an essential step forward in promoting inclusive electoral participation.

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) held a validation workshop on 30th October 2025 to review findings from our research...
20/11/2025

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) held a validation workshop on 30th October 2025 to review findings from our research on the implementation of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Nigeria, four years after the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The research revealed uneven progress across key implementation areas, including incorporation, needs assessments, community development plans, funding, and project ex*****on. It also identified significant challenges, including excessive interference from some stakeholders and regulators, weak gender inclusion, and community concerns about transparency.

The workshop brought together representatives from academia, civil society, HCDT governing structures, and host communities to validate these findings and propose practical solutions.

Participants emphasised the need for strict adherence to the PIA (2021) to ensure the HCDTs deliver equitable and transparent development outcomes.

SDN convened key members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and management committees from twelve Host Community Development...
20/11/2025

SDN convened key members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and management committees from twelve Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) across Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Rivers States for an enriching capacity development workshop. This vital session addressed the critical governance and implementation challenges posed by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.

Participants actively engaged with the “Plan Like Everyone Matters” framework, which emphasises gender-responsive community development planning, transparent procurement, and effective project delivery. They cultivated essential skills in conducting gender-sensitive needs assessments, formulating actionable community plans, managing budgets responsibly, and ensuring accountability through open bidding processes.

In this dynamic and collaborative environment, the committed participants developed Gender Action Plans with clear, measurable targets. This strategic approach equips them to oversee project lifecycles and achieve inclusive, sustainable outcomes effectively. With these newly acquired skills, the HCDTs are empowered to lead community development initiatives that uplift every member, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, thereby creating a lasting positive impact in their communities.

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) has successfully concluded the Women’s Training, Empowerment and Delivery (WTED) Pro...
11/11/2025

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) has successfully concluded the Women’s Training, Empowerment and Delivery (WTED) Project funded by Czech Embassy in Abuja

The project ran for a period of 8 months with the aim of increasing the representation of young women in leadership positions and enhancing their participation in political processes in Rivers State.

This transformative journey brought together 30 vibrant young women based in Port Harcourt, equipping them with advanced skills in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement via the Young Women Ambassador/Mentorship Programme.

Through hands-on mentorship and training, participants gained the confidence and capacity to actively undertake advocacy engagements to stakeholders and secure commitment to support women in leadership roles in politics, business and governance.

With the acquired knowledge, Ambassadors are going ahead to drive change in their communities.

We sincerely appreciate our mentors Hilda Dokubo, Ibim Semenitari, Dr. Dr Ella Umeh-Ezeadilieje (Veronica's Daughter)-, Debbie Effiong, and Ebenezar Wikina for generously sharing their experience, insight, and passion. Their guidance has left a lasting mark on our WTED Ambassadors.

At SDN, we continue to champion women’s empowerment and gender inclusion through programmes that build political leadership, strengthen civic participation, and foster personal growth.

Address

13A Location Road, Oroazi
Port Harcourt
500272

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+2347031593783

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