In a commendable move to promote transparency, inclusivity, and citizen participation in governance, the Presidency has introduced new guidelines for the quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens Engagement Meetings.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening public engagement and ensuring accountability in governance.
Enhancing Government-Citizen Interaction
The engagement meetings were originally mandated as a deliverable for every ministry, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all ministers must regularly communicate government initiatives, beneficial programmes, and policies to the public.
According to the CDCU, these meetings serve as a crucial bridge between the government and the citizens, fostering trust, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of national policies.
“This deliverable is to bridge the gap between the government and citizens, foster a good relationship between both parties, promote inclusivity, and ensure active citizen participation,” the statement from the CDCU emphasized.
By making these interactions a regular feature of governance, the Presidency is ensuring that policies are not just disseminated but also scrutinized and improved through direct citizen feedback.
Key Guidelines for Effective Engagement
Under the new guidelines, every ministry is now required to hold at least one stakeholder or citizen engagement meeting per quarter. Each session must be led personally by the minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and other top officials, ensuring high-level interaction with citizens.
To maximize participation and public awareness, these meetings must include civil society organisations, professional groups, the media, and everyday citizens. Additionally, the mass media—including print, electronic, and online platforms—must be involved in covering these engagements to ensure nationwide reach.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation will also play a crucial role in coordinating media coverage and ensuring effective dissemination of information.
Furthermore, not all ministerial appearances will qualify as stakeholder engagements. The guidelines clarify that media interviews, speeches at events without stakeholder participation, and visits by investors do not substitute for these structured meetings. Instead, the engagements must allow for real-time interactions where citizens’ concerns can be addressed directly.
Feedback as a Crucial Component
One of the most promising aspects of these new guidelines is the emphasis on feedback. Ministries must document citizen concerns, provide evidence of responses, and demonstrate how public input influences decision-making. This structured approach not only makes government policies more effective but also strengthens public confidence in governance.
To ensure transparency, ministries are required to submit evidence of compliance, including invitation letters, attendance lists, presentation materials, and detailed reports of discussions held. Most importantly, they must provide proof of how the feedback received has been integrated into government decisions.
A Call for Effective Implementation
While this initiative is a significant step toward open governance, the success of these engagements depends on how well feedback is utilized.
Nigerians must not only be heard but also see tangible changes in policies as a result of their contributions. Ministries must take citizen concerns seriously and ensure that their responses translate into meaningful action.
The Federal Government should further strengthen this initiative by publishing reports on feedback implementation, allowing citizens to track the impact of their participation. Moreover, ensuring that these meetings are conducted with sincerity and not as a mere formality will be crucial in maintaining public trust.
As the government moves forward with this citizen-centric approach, it is imperative that Nigerians actively participate in these engagements.
Constructive feedback from the public will not only enhance governance but also ensure that policies truly reflect the needs of the people.
By reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Presidency is setting a precedent for a more interactive and responsive government—one that listens, learns, and acts in the best interest of its citizens.
