GNA Sets Target to Train 1 Million Certified Citizen Reporters Across Nigeria’s 774 LGAs

GNA targets one million certified citizen reporters nationwide to strengthen responsible civic oversight across Nigeria’s 774 LGAs.

GNA Admin · October 1, 2026 · 139

The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) has announced a goal to train and certify 1,000,000 Certified Citizen Reporters (CCRs) across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, and through them to document the condition of public infrastructure in every Local Government in the country.

The target was announced by GN (Dr.) Kayode Elusoji, GNA Executive Director, during his October 1, 2026 Independence Day broadcast launching the GNA CAA Governance Model.

Who Is a Certified Citizen Reporter?

CCRs are the foundation of the CAA Model. A CCR, Dr. Elusoji explained, is not someone with a smartphone looking only for what is wrong. CCRs are trained, certified and accountable, bound by a code of conduct and taught to separate fact from rumour.

“Observe. Document. Verify. Report.”

Reports are verified before publication, and reporters are trained to work safely, lawfully and respectfully.

It Has Already Begun in Ile-Ife

The national ambition rests on work already underway. In September 2026, GNA graduated its pioneering cohort of thirty CCRs for Ife Central and Ife East Local Government Areas. They are now documenting the condition of roads, health centres, schools and boreholes in their communities.

“Thirty young Nigerians who could have chosen cynicism, and chose responsibility,” Dr. Elusoji said, adding directly to them: “History will remember that you went first.”

The Ife Central and Ife East CAA Governance Committees will be unveiled on October 10, 2026, alongside the pioneering reporters.

“Ife is not the destination. Ife is the template.”

From Thirty to One Million

Dr. Elusoji described the path ahead as a deliberate build: thirty can become three hundred, three hundred can become three thousand, three thousand can become thirty thousand, and onward to 1,000,000 Certified Citizen Reporters across the federation.

“When citizens become responsible in oversight, those entrusted with power become more conscious of their responsibility.”

More Than Reporting

For young Nigerians, CCR training offers more than a civic role. Dr. Elusoji said it builds digital literacy, data discipline and civic leadership, skills he described as essential for an AI-driven world.

Young Nigerians interested in becoming CCRs are encouraged to enrol for training in their Local Government, while community associations are invited to bring their Local Governments onboard.

• GN (Dr.) Kayode Elusoji