The Presidency on Wednesday unveiled new guidelines for the quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings, underscoring the Federal Government’s dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and active citizen participation in governance.
The Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), operating under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, issued the updated framework. These stricter requirements are aimed at ensuring that the meetings function as legitimate platforms for public dialogue and effective communication between the government and the citizens.
According to the CDCU, the engagement meetings were introduced in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for ministers to regularly share government initiatives, programs, and policies with the public. The goal, the statement emphasized, is to close the communication gap between the government and its citizens, foster a better relationship, promote inclusivity, and ensure that citizens actively participate in shaping governance.
“These engagements are meant to enhance public understanding of government policies while preventing misinterpretation,” the CDCU noted.
Key provisions of the new conditions include the requirement for each ministry to hold at least one stakeholder or citizen engagement meeting every quarter. The meetings must be personally led by the minister, along with the permanent secretary and other high-ranking officials. This ensures that these gatherings are not only informative but also interactive, with the government receiving direct feedback from citizens and stakeholders that could inform policy adjustments.
To facilitate broad participation, the guidelines stress the importance of involving civil society organizations, professional groups, media representatives, and ordinary citizens. It also mandates the inclusion of the media both traditional (print and electronic) and digital platforms in order to maximize public awareness of the sessions.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation will play a key role in coordinating media coverage and ensuring widespread dissemination of the engagement outcomes.
Importantly, the CDCU clarified that not all ministerial public appearances qualify as stakeholder engagements. For example, media interviews or ministers attending events without the involvement of stakeholders will not meet the criteria. Similarly, visits by investors or other familiarization events will not substitute for the formal, structured interactions required under these guidelines.
The feedback process is emphasized as a critical component of these meetings. Ministers and ministry officials must be prepared to engage with stakeholders’ concerns both during and after the sessions. Additionally, ministries must document the feedback received and provide evidence of how it has been integrated into decision-making processes.
To ensure accountability and transparency, ministries are required to submit proof of compliance, which should include invitation letters, attendance lists, copies of presentations, and detailed reports of the discussions. They must also provide specific evidence of how stakeholder feedback has influenced policy adjustments or government decisions.
With these enhanced guidelines, the Presidency is reaffirming its commitment to citizen-centric governance, ensuring that government policies are not only effectively communicated but also shaped by the insights and concerns of the people.
