"In a highly competitive media landscape, BBC Media Action’s governance programmes reached 52.8 million people in 2014 (and an estimated 64.6 million cumulatively), representing more than half the adult population of the country. One reason for this success was the brokering of radio partnerships that ensured distribution of radio content across the country. In contrast to other countries that held elections during the course of the Global Grant project, the Nigerian programmes managed to sustain their high level of audience engagement after the elections. This was achieved by: adapting the content to topical issues; transitioning from focusing on encouraging peaceful elections to holding elected officials to account; and encouraging officials to follow up on their electoral promises. Across the five years, the project managed to increase the percentage of rural and female listeners. The Hausa outputs (Mu Tattauna and Gatanan Gatanan Ku) were particularly effective at reaching these groups in northern Nigeria. The debate and discussion programmes were successful at enabling people to question officials directly and audiences appreciated hearing a diverse range of views and opinions. This speaks directly to the project’s objective of encouraging dialogue and understanding of diverse points of view. The dramas were effective at role modelling how people could resolve conflicts, question officials and participate in civic life. By showcasing scenarios people could relate to, their storylines helped ordinary people and leaders understand their rights and responsibilities and how democratic processes work. Those exposed to these factual and drama outputs knew more, discussed more and participated more in politics even when controlling for other factors that may influence these outcomes (such as age, income, education and interest in politics). Despite Nigerians remaining cynical about the willingness and ability of politicians to respond to their needs, the programmes were particularly effective at encouraging people who had not participated in public life before to do so." (Key findings from the research)

"Funded by DFID, under the Global Grant project, BBC Media Action produced four programmes broadcast weekly on over 190 radio stations. They included factual magazine formats (Talk Your Own – Make Naija Better and Mu Tattauna (Let’s Discuss)), that incorporated discussion and debate, and radio dramas (Story Story and Gatanan Gatanan Ku) in English, pidgin English and Hausa. The combination of these outputs aimed to contribute to enabling more accountable state–society relations and societies more resilient to conflict, as well as to empower people to participate in public dialogue and hold their leaders to account. While radio was the main medium used because of its wide reach and ability to attract a diverse audience, TV public service announcements (PSAs) were broadcast in the run-up to the 2015 election, encouraging Nigerians to vote without engaging in violence. A TV version of the discussion show Talk Your Own was also broadcast in 2016. The project included capacity-strengthening activities for media practitioners working in broadcast partner stations. The aim was to improve their technical, editorial and management skills to produce and broadcast trustworthy and engaging governance programming. BBC Media Action conducted research throughout the project to inform its development and evaluate its impact. The organisation undertook three quantitative surveys representative of the project’s six focal states1 and nine qualitative studies with audiences, governance and media experts, as well as with partner radio stations. In total, over 12,000 people in Nigeria were spoken to as part of the research. This report summarises findings from this portfolio of research to assess and understand the impact of the project in the context of a changing media and governance landscape in Nigeria over the last five years." (Page 5)