OpenLawsNig is built to address a fundamental gap, which is the lack of easy, affordable access to laws and legal information. For many people, legal knowledge remains locked behind paywalls, complex language, or inaccessible systems. This matters to me because access to the law is closely tied to access to justice; people cannot assert their rights if they don’t even know what those rights are. The fellowship has helped me refine how I think about impact, especially in terms of measuring user engagement and ensuring the platform is not just accessible, but actually useful. It has also pushed me to think more critically about sustainability and long-term growth.

One moment that really stayed with me was a quote from a facilitator: “Running a nonprofit does not mean you should run it at a loss.” That shifted something in my thinking. It challenged the assumption that impact and sustainability must be at odds. Another highlight was a breakthrough during one of the lab sessions, where I began to see clearer, more structured ways to track impact and user behaviour. A comment from a facilitator also stood out, where they emphasized the importance of designing with users, not just for them, which made me rethink parts of my approach.

The fellowship has definitely challenged me. It has made me realize that while passion is important, structure and strategy are just as critical. I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve been willing to rethink my assumptions, especially around scaling and sustainability. It has pushed me to move from simply building a solution to building a system that can endure and evolve.

Connecting with other builders across West Africa has been one of the most valuable parts of the experience. There’s something powerful about being in a space where people are tackling different problems but share a common drive for impact. I’ve had conversations that opened my eyes to new ideas and approaches, and I’ve started to see clear opportunities for collaboration. These interactions have not only inspired me but also reminded me that meaningful change often happens collectively.

I’m excited to continue building and refining OpenLawsNig into a platform that truly bridges the gap between the law and everyday people. Beyond improving access, I want to create a tool that empowers users to take informed action. After the fellowship, my focus is on deepening impact, strengthening sustainability, and exploring partnerships that can help scale the solution. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a future where legal information is no longer a privilege, but a basic, accessible resource for all.

Author: Adegbola Gbolahan | CivicTech Fellow