The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is implementing a strategic governance and policy strengthening initiative under the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Participation and Economic Resilience in Northeast Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) programme. The project supports efforts to strengthen social protection systems, social cohesion, and inclusive local development in conflict-affected communities across Northeast Nigeria.

The initiative focuses on conducting a comprehensive technical review of the Citizens Engagement and Participatory Planning (CEPP) Policy for Adamawa State and the development plans of Michika, Numan, and Demsa Local Government Areas. Through this assignment, dRPC is integrating gender-responsive and climate-smart approaches into local governance frameworks to ensure that public policies and development planning processes better address the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, returnees, and other vulnerable populations.

The project contributes to building more inclusive and accountable governance systems by assessing existing policies and plans through a gender and climate lens, identifying critical gaps, and developing practical recommendations to improve responsiveness, participation, and resilience. The work supports local governments to incorporate climate adaptation measures and gender equality considerations into planning and budgeting processes, helping communities prepare for evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges.

A key component of the initiative is stakeholder engagement. dRPC is facilitating dialogue among government institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to strengthen ownership of the revised CEPP Policy and support its institutionalization through legislative and administrative mechanisms. These consultations are designed to foster transparency, citizen participation, and sustainable governance structures that strengthen trust between communities and government authorities.

By supporting the development of gender-responsive and climate-resilient local policies, dRPC is helping to create pathways for more equitable service delivery, improved community participation, and stronger local governance systems in Northeast Nigeria. The project reflects dRPC’s commitment to translating evidence into practical policy solutions that advance inclusive development, resilience, and sustainable recovery in fragile and crisis-affected contexts.