Our Profile

Journey through

Our History

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Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA) was inaugurated in Maiduguri, Borno State, in 2009 as a response to the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria. The organization was formally registered with the federal Corporate Affairs Commission in 2016. It was initially conceived as a flexible association of independent grassroots researchers from different professions and backgrounds across the country’s six geopolitical zones. This collective was engaged in the monitoring and documentation of Nigeria’s perennial intra-communal conflicts and religious disputes. The goal was to create an evidence-driven resource for the government, development partners, and scholars to make informed decisions on sustainable solutions to pressing problems. Although, having grown in organizational size and thematic scope, this is where GRA still derives its inspiration, strength and objectives till date.

Core Values

  • Result Oriented

    The endpoint of all our activities, engagement and participation shall be defined by the need for a well-defined result

  • Passion

    Basic to our work is passion. We believe that capacity can be built, but the zeal to solve the problem and add value to the life of our beneficiaries is a standard for us.

  • Local Content

    In the heart of all we do is to emphasize and promote local content; either from the point of good, need or challenge. We see the use of local content as a tool for promoting good, in the form of justice, good governance, and human capital development.

  • Innovation

    We believe that there is always a better way to get things done. To that effect, we always strive for what works; beyond the box.

  • Accountability

    For all time, accountability is a system and value that guides all our engagements. In dealing with our stakeholders, accountability is a guiding principle for us.

Our Mission

To empower vulnerable populations through evidence-based research, localized humanitarian response, peacebuilding, and rights-based advocacy.

Our Vision

A peaceful, equitable, and resilient society where marginalized communities lead their own development and human rights are universally upheld.

Celebrating

10 Years Aniversery

A Decade of Impact (2016–2026)

The story of the Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA) is one of resilience, data-driven action, and an unwavering commitment to community. Our journey began informally in 2009 in Maiduguri, Borno State, as a urgent, localized response to the rising insurgency in northeastern Nigeria. Recognizing a critical gap in firsthand data, a flexible collective of independent researchers from various professions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones came together.

Celebrating 10 Years of Grassroots Excellence

Marking a historic decade of service, the Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA) stands today as a premier, non-profit, and non-political rights-based organization recognized as Nigeria’s leading local content hub. Since our landmark formalization on October 5, 2016, GRA has spent the last 10 years facilitating evidence-based grassroots initiatives, driving community-led analysis, and spearheading action planning to ensure inclusive, equitable access to quality services for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and persons with special needs.