In order to strengthen the Federal Government’s dedication to openness, diversity, and citizen participation in governance, the Presidency has established new rules for the quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings.
In order to guarantee that these meetings function as authentic forums for communication between the people and the government, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), which is part of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, reportedly announced the updated terms on Wednesday.
These engagements were launched in response to President Bola Tinubu’s demand that all ministries convey government policies, objectives, and public welfare programs on a regular basis, according to the CDCU.
“This deliverable aims to ensure active citizen participation, promote inclusivity, cultivate positive relationships between the government and citizens, and bridge the gap between the two,” the statement said.
While avoiding misunderstandings and disinformation, the Presidency emphasized that these interactions will contribute to improving public comprehension of government policy.
Ministry Requirements Under the Updated Regulations:
Each engagement must be led by the minister themselves, accompanied by the permanent secretary and other ministry leaders.
Each ministry is required to host a minimum of one engagement meeting every three months in order to give updates and get firsthand input.
Professional associations, the media, members of the general public, and civil society organizations must all participate.
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Media participation will be coordinated by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to guarantee the highest level of public awareness.
It was made clear by the CDCU that not all ministerial public appearances will be considered stakeholder engagements.
“Ministers who give scheduled interviews (on TV, radio, or at events) to explain policies without involving stakeholders will not count,” the statement read.
Ministers who arrange investor familiarization trips or attend public events without actively engaging citizens will also fall short of the criteria.
Accountability and Openness
Ministries must provide documented proof of every engagement to ensure accountability and compliance. This includes copies of the invitation letters sent to stakeholders, an attendance record, a copy of the minister’s presentation, a thorough report of the discussions and concerns raised, and evidence of how stakeholder input has impacted policy decisions.
The Presidency reaffirmed that these new initiatives are intended to strengthen citizen-focused governance by making sure that public feedback shapes government policies in addition to being adequately disseminated.
