Independent policy think tank · Bauchi, Nigeria

Evidence, in conversation.

We turn rigorous, independent research into open dialogue that shapes better decisions on sustainable development.

What We Do

We work in four ways, because good policy needs more than a report on a shelf.

Focused on creating lasting systemic change, SDCI works across dialogue, accountability, and connection to ensure policy research drives actual reform.

Dialogue Partner

We give the private sector and civil society a credible, neutral table to debate reforms, weigh evidence, and build solutions together.

Watchdog

We use evidence, not noise, to show where systems fall short, push for transparency, and hold institutions accountable to the people they serve.

Connector

We link policymakers with businesses, communities, and international partners so that reforms reflect the people they affect.

Advisory & Research

We undertake commissioned research, program evaluations, and bespoke training for organizations needing independent, rigorous analysis.

Sulaiman Ahmad Fanty - CEO of SDCI
CEO's Vision

"Every statistic tells a story. Every policy affects a life. Our responsibility is to ensure neither is ignored."

Sulaiman Ahmad Fanty

Chief Executive Officer

Our Alignment

SDG-Aligned Areas of Focus

Every conversation we convene, every paper we publish, sits inside the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals — connecting our local research to global standards.

Governance & accountability

The transparency and institutional strength that everything else depends on. This is where our Watchdog role lives.

Aligned SDGs
SDG 16SDG 17

Public finance & the economy

How public money is raised, shared, and spent — and whether it reaches people.

Aligned SDGs
SDG 8SDG 1SDG 9

Social development & inequality

Who gets left behind, and what closes the gap.

Aligned SDGs
SDG 10SDG 5

Health systems

The services and infrastructure that determine life chances and well-being.

Aligned SDGs
SDG 3

Education systems

The learning opportunities and capability building that determine life chances.

Aligned SDGs
SDG 4

Climate & natural resources

Managing the resources today's decisions borrow from tomorrow.

Aligned SDGs
SDG 13SDG 7SDG 6SDG 12
LaunchIn-Person

SDCI Official Launch

Saturday, August 15, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (GMT+1)

Bauchi, Nigeria • Venue: Coming Soon

Join us as the Sustainable Development Conversations Initiative (SDCI) officially launches its mission to strengthen civic participation, promote evidence-based policymaking, and foster accountable governance through citizen engagement.

SDCI Official Launch
Featured Publication

The Rentier TrapBauchi's Fiscal Model and Its Development Ceiling

An independent analysis of public finance structures, resource leaks, and capacity recommendations for Bauchi State MDAs.

Featured Video

A Glimpse of SDCI

Audio

From the podcast

Why mothers and babies are dying in Bauchi State
Episode 145 min

Why mothers and babies are dying in Bauchi State

With Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Lead, Stakeholder Engagement & Programs; Awwal Dahiru, IT Lead at CHAMPS Bauchi

See all episodes →
Advisory & Commissions

Powering decisions with unbiased evidence.

We partner with government agencies, international development institutions, and civil society to deliver bespoke policy briefings, system audits, and capacity-building workshops tailored to the local realities.

01

Rigorous Local Audits

Independent tracking and assessment of public finance, MDA spending guidelines, and service delivery metrics.

02

Bespoke Policy Briefings

Custom analyses of local legislative frameworks, state revenue opportunities, and structural reforms.

03

LGA Alignment Workshops

Direct training sessions to align local government activities with state priorities and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to our research, advisory programmes, and operations.

The Sustainable Development Conversations Initiative is an independent think tank. We conduct rigorous research on social, economic, and political issues, and turn it into open conversations that improve decisions on sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Yes — and structurally so. We're funded by a deliberate mix of grants, memberships, commissioned work, event revenue, and publication sales, so no single backer can set our agenda. We disclose our funders every year and publish our researchers' full credentials. If the evidence is inconvenient for a funder, we publish it anyway.
We're based in Bauchi and focused on Bauchi State, with a remit that spans Nigeria and, over time, the wider region.
Most of it, yes. Policy briefs, thematic reports, working papers, and our InFocus graphics are free to read. White papers and the full Sustainable Digest are reserved for members and subscribers — that revenue is part of what keeps the rest free and independent.
Pick the tier that fits — there's a free Community tier and paid tiers for individuals, professionals, and organisations — on our Membership page. It takes a few minutes.
Yes. We take on commissioned studies, advisory work, and joint projects with foundations, government bodies, businesses, and international organisations. Start at Partner with us.
Please do. We're always looking for sharp voices and important questions — reach us through Contact.
You're welcome to cite and share our published work with attribution. For republishing in full, or for media use, contact media enquiries.
You can give in Naira through Paystack on our Donate page. SDCI is registered under CAC Bauchi/Nigeria as a policy advocacy non-profit organization.
Open roles and research internships are listed on Careers when available. Even when nothing is posted, strong researchers are welcome to introduce themselves.
Community

Get involved

Membership

Join a community of citizens, practitioners, and scholars committed to evidence-led policy in Nigeria.

Donate

Support independent research that serves the public interest, not private or political agendas.

SDCI is an independent, non-partisan organisation. We accept no funding that compromises editorial independence, intellectual honesty, or research integrity.

Read our funding statement →