From Saving Bagega to Shaping Africa: Hamzat Lawal Marks 13 Years of Impact, Announces New Leadership at CODE

Maryam Aminu

Thirteen years ago, a young activist stood in a small Abuja room with nothing but an idea and an unyielding resolve to save lives. That idea the Save Bagega campaign, which exposed a deadly lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara State not only forced government action but also gave birth to Connected Development (CODE), now Africa’s leading citizen-led accountability organisation.

In a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the activist, Hamzat Lawal, marked CODE’s 13th anniversary with a reflection on a movement that has grown from one man’s cry for justice into a continental force spanning 12 African countries and more than 3,000 communities.

“Transparency is not a privilege; it is a right,” Lawal declared, recalling CODE’s battles against resistance, intimidation, and entrenched corruption. “We have shown that when citizens unite, they can change the course of history.”

Under his leadership, CODE and its flagship initiative, Follow The Money (FTM), have tracked over ₦400 billion in budgeted funds, ensuring schools, hospitals, and water projects reach marginalized communities. The organisation has spearheaded major reforms, from championing the Not Too Young To Run movement to launching the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), which tracked pandemic spending across 12 countries.

L-R Mukhtar Modibbo Halilu, Secretary General – Follow The Money International Ijeoma Oforka, Chief Operating Officer, Hamzat Lawal – Founder, Connected Development (CODE) and Follow The Money, Hyeladzira Mshelia, Head of Office/Acting CEO and Kunle Babs, Global Consultant, Advocacy and Communications

The organisation’s work in the Niger Delta and collaborations on illicit financial flows have also amplified citizen voices on environmental justice and corruption beyond Nigeria’s borders. These efforts have earned CODE global recognition, including the ONE Africa Award, the UN SDG Mobilizer Award, and the Council of Europe Democracy Award.

Announcing a new chapter, Lawal revealed he has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Governance, Development, and Public Policy at the University of Sussex, UK. As he temporarily steps aside, he named an Acting CEO for CODE and a Secretary General for Follow The Money International to sustain the organisation’s momentum.

“These appointments represent continuity and renewal. CODE and Follow The Money are bigger than any one person,” Lawal said, assuring that the movement will expand to more countries, adopt new technologies for citizen oversight, and build a generation of young leaders committed to accountability.

“What started as a desperate plea to save Bagega has become a continental movement that saves lives, protects rights, and empowers voices,” he said. “This is the story of CODE, and we are only just beginning.”