The Nigerian Presidency has rolled out new, stricter guidelines for its quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens Engagement Meetings.
The announcement, was made on Wednesday through the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
At the heart of this initiative is a clear mandate: every ministry must turn these meetings into meaningful dialogues, not mere formalities. These engagements were introduced following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, requiring ministers to communicate government initiatives and policies to the public regularly.
“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 CDCU stated.
But this time, the rules are more stringent and the expectations higher.
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Under the new framework, each ministry is required to host at least one engagement meeting every quarter. These sessions must be personally led by the minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and other senior officials. More than just a platform for the government to talk, these meetings are designed to facilitate real-time feedback from citizens and stakeholders — feedback that the government says will directly inform policy adjustments.
The scope of participation is broad and inclusive. Civil society organisations, professional groups, the media, and everyday Nigerians must be invited to the table. The mass media, spanning print, electronic, and digital platforms, are also expected to cover these engagements to ensure the widest possible reach and public awareness.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation has been tasked with coordinating media involvement, ensuring that the nation stays informed about these crucial conversations.
Notably, the CDCU made it clear that not every ministerial appearance qualifies as genuine stakeholder engagement. TV and radio interviews, event speeches, or investor familiarisation visits will no longer count unless they actively involve stakeholder participation and structured dialogue.
“The engagement must be a high-level interaction where government officials not only inform the public but also receive direct feedback from stakeholders,” the statement emphasised.
To ensure transparency and accountability, ministries are required to submit evidence of compliance, including invitation letters sent to stakeholders, attendance lists, the minister’s presentation, and a comprehensive report on the discussions held. Ministries must also document specific feedback received and provide proof of how that feedback has influenced government decisions.
Source: Ripples
