The Presidency has introduced stricter guidelines for its quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens Engagement Meetings, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and public participation in governance.
The new conditions, issued by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, mandate that all federal ministries hold at least one high-level engagement per quarter. These meetings must be personally led by ministers, alongside their Permanent Secretaries and senior officials, ensuring direct interaction with stakeholders.
According to the CDCU, these forums aim to bridge the gap between government and citizens, fostering inclusivity and public trust while clarifying government policies to prevent misinterpretation. The engagements must involve civil society organizations, professional groups, the media, and ordinary citizens, with extensive media coverage to maximize awareness.
The Presidency also outlined what does not qualify as a stakeholder engagement, including media interviews, speeches at public events, and ministerial visits that do not include direct interaction with citizens. Ministries are now required to submit evidence of compliance, including invitation letters, attendance lists, detailed reports, and proof of how public feedback has influenced policy decisions.
With these new measures, the Tinubu administration aims to promote a citizen-driven approach to governance, ensuring that policies are not just announced but are actively shaped by public input.
