CJID, CIPE train journalists and CSOs on constructive and corrosive capital tracking

By Daniel Adaji

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development with funding from the Center for International Private Enterprise CIPE, organised a three day experiencing sharing workshop for investigative journalists and civil society organisations on constructive and corrosive capital inflow in Nigeria.

The workshop which held between 10 and 12 May 2023 in Abuja had at least 20 participants in attendance.

The workshop created a forum for stakeholders to share their experiences and knowledge on the concepts of constructive and corrosive capital.

Story Lab session with the participants of the Workshop on Corrosive and Constructive Capital in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/XmUBrA2atf

— Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (@CJIDAfrica) May 11, 2023

Speaking on the event, the Executive Director, Tobi Oluwatola said

“Foreign Direct Investment,FDI is one of the major potential sources of constructive capital, if well managed, but capital flows to Nigeria often shrouded in opacity may threaten institutions of the state, and foster corruption,” he said.

He further added that “the workshop would create a platform for journalists, CSOs, governemt and seasoned experts in the sector to share knowledge and experiences, and network with like-minded professionals.”

Foreign Direct Investment,FDI is one of the major potential sources of constructive capital, if well managed

Ryan Partick, the Philipines Country Director for CIPE and Anna Baldonado took participants through a session on understanding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) monitor and its methodology.

Participants were excited at such opportunity to broaden their knowledge on the nature of capital inflow to the country.

Speaking on mainstreaming gender into corrosive and constructive capital reporting by journalists, the Deputy Director, Busola Ajibola-Journalism said journalists must do due diligence in balancing their reports across gender.

“Every form of investment should broadly benefit the population at large regardless of gender. To ensure this is achieved, particular attention should be paid to the gender impact of investment,” she said.

Every form of investment should broadly benefit the population at large regardless of gender

Also Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba, Programme Officer at the CJID said

“One of the aims of the workshop is to build the capacity of journalists to report foreign financial inflow to Nigeria by critically looking at some indicators that show how transparent the government is in acquiring loans and grants. There are certain parameters that should be checked such as environmental and social impact assessment, names of firms tendering for a contract, and even references to audit reports.

Journalists should begin to look beyond the contract amount to proactive disclosure of these loans

What I’m trying to say basically is that when we just see in the media that the president has signed a loan, what should first come to our mind is- what loan and what the structure/nature of such loans is. Journalists should begin to look beyond the contract amount to proactive disclosure of these loans.”