About Us
WHO WE ARE
An independent think tank for security governance
CISG produces independent research, civilian-centered evidence, capacity building, and policy engagement that strengthens democratic oversight and public trust in the security sector.
Positioned as a neutral, credible convener — facilitating dialogue between government, security actors, and civilians in sensitive reform spaces where they rarely share a platform.
CISG OPERATES ACROSS
The Full Security
Governance Ecosystem
- State institutions
- Oversight bodies (parliament, judiciary)
- Local authorities
- Civil society
- Communities
- Regional actors (ECOWAS, AU)
Vision
A society where security is re-oriented from institutionally driven commitment to be rooted in accountability, inclusivity, human security and democratic values.
Mission
To advance inclusive Security Sector and Governance through independent research, civilian-centered evidence, and policy engagement that strengthens democratic oversight and public trust.
Motto
Advancing inclusive Security Sector Reform and Governance through credible evidence, civilian perspectives, and regional policy insight.
PURPOSE
Core Values
Independence
Free from partisan or institutional capture
Inclusion
Centering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and communities
Credibility
Methodologically rigorous, peer-reviewed evidence
Accountability
To communities, partners, and democratic institutions
Regional solidarity
Learning and collaboration across ECOWAS contexts
ACCOUNTABILITY
Governance Structure
Board of Advisors
Independent oversight; approves strategy, safeguards independence, oversees the Executive Director.
Executive Director
Day-to-day leadership, strategic direction, fundraising, and external representation.
Research & Programmes Unit
Leads the research pillars, manages field data collection, produces analytical outputs.
Policy Engagement & Partnerships Unit
Manages relationships with government, donors, ECOWAS/AU, and civil society; leads convening.
Finance, Administration & Compliance Unit
Financial management, donor compliance, procurement, and human resources.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
Tracks organisational and programmatic performance against objectives.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Governance Safeguards
Clear ethical standards and conflict-of-interest policies governing research, funding, and partnerships
Transparent financial management and donor compliance aligned with international best practice
Methodological rigour and peer review for all analytical outputs
Non-partisan operating principles to preserve trust across political and institutional divides
Commitment to do-no-harm, inclusivity, and political neutrality
Alignment with international standards on research integrity, accountability, and safeguarding
METHODOLOGY
Our Whole-System Approach
Security outcomes emerge from the interaction of laws, institutions, budgets, political incentives, social trust, and lived community experience. Reforms that target only one part of this system consistently underdeliver – so CISG works across the entire ecosystem.
Working Across All Actors
State institutions, oversight bodies, local authorities, civil society, communities, and regional actors — as interdependent parts of one system.
Connecting All Levels
Evidence and engagement flow between community, national, and regional (ECOWAS/AU) levels.
Integrating Inclusion Throughout
Gender, youth, disability, and victims' perspectives built into every research design and dialogue from the outset.
Following the Money & Politics
Links security policy to public finance and budgeting; analyses the political incentives that enable or resist reform.
Linking Evidence, Dialogue, Policy, Capacity
Research feeds dialogue; dialogue shapes policy; training sustains change - a continuous reinforcing cycle.
Work With Us
Interested in partnering with us or supporting our initiatives? We are open to collaborations that align with our mission.