The Presidency has introduced new guidelines for quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings, reinforcing the government’s dedication to transparency and public participation. The Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) under the President’s Policy and Coordination office issued these directives, mandating stricter requirements for ministries.
These meetings, a direct order from President Tinubu, are designed to bridge the gap between the government and citizens, promoting inclusivity and understanding of government initiatives. Each ministry is now required to hold at least one quarterly meeting, led by the minister, permanent secretary, and senior officials, ensuring high-level interaction and direct feedback.
The meetings must include civil society organizations, professional groups, the media, and citizens, with broad media coverage to maximize public awareness. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation is tasked with coordinating media participation.
The CDCU clarified that routine ministerial appearances, such as scheduled interviews or event speeches without stakeholder input, do not qualify as these engagement meetings. Structured, inclusive, and participatory interactions that allow real-time citizen engagement are required.
Ministers must be prepared to address stakeholder concerns during and after the meetings. To ensure compliance and transparency, ministries must submit evidence, including invitation letters, attendance lists, presentations, and detailed reports, documenting feedback and its implementation in policy adjustments.
These new guidelines underscore the Presidency’s commitment to citizen-centric governance, ensuring policies are both communicated and shaped by public input.
