ADVANCE Quarterly Report, FY 2013 Quarter 1-Oct – Dec 2012

The program is implemented by Pact, Inc. in Nigeria, with a total estimated contract amount of $13,473,848.00. The program's objectives include strengthening CSO capacity for effective program and financial management, increasing CSO capacity for effective advocacy for key policy reforms such as budget transparency, access to information, and judicial oversight, and strengthening public-private partnerships to fight corruption through public oversight agencies and initiatives. The program is aligned with USAID/Nigeria's Strategic Objective 11, which aims to strengthen foundations for democratic governance and governing justly and democratically. During the quarter, Pact continued to provide technical and financial support to its partners, ensuring that their programmatic calendars and budgets were in line with their approved project proposals. The organization facilitated the disbursement of funds to some of its partners, including MRA, Centre LSD, PPDC, ANEEJ, ZCC, CISLAC, CITAD, NPWP, JONAPWD, FOFA, NCDF, ARRDEC, JDP Caritas, BANGOF, CEIPD, and LITE-Africa. Pact also finalized project proposals for outstanding partners and awarded seven new grants for the implementation of their approved projects. In terms of program outputs, Pact/ADVANCE trained some of its CSO partners on network strengthening, supported ZCC to revamp its newsletter and website, and supported PWYP to host a national CSOs' consultative meeting on setting an agenda for CSO representation on the NEITI Board. The organization also supported CITAD to organize a training for CSOs and journalists on procurement monitoring, and Centre LSD to hold an end-of-project press briefing and support a radio program on increased citizens' participation in budgeting. Pact/ADVANCE also strengthened the systems and processes of both ADVANCE and PIND CSO partners through mentoring, monitoring, and coaching. The organization supported CITAD to facilitate technical training for staff of the Bauchi state Directorate of Due Process and Procurement Officers from select ministries, and Centre LSD to support BANGOF in tracking Bayelsa State budget. Additionally, PPDC supported CSO representatives to test the Freedom of Information Act in target MDAs. The program's quarterly report highlights the progress made in the quarter, including the provision of technical and financial support to partners, the facilitation of fund disbursements, and the strengthening of partner systems and processes. The report also highlights the challenges faced by the program, including partner and programmatic challenges, and opportunities for growth and development.