The Presidency has introduced new guidelines for the quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and public participation in governance.
A statement issued by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the guidelines require ministries to ensure these meetings serve as authentic platforms for public engagement.
According to the CDCU, the meetings were introduced as part of President Bola Tinubu’s directive for ministers to regularly communicate government initiatives and policies to the public.
Each ministry must now hold at least one engagement meeting per quarter, led by the minister, permanent secretary, and other top officials. These sessions must involve civil society groups, professional bodies, the media, and citizens, ensuring broad participation.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation is mandated to coordinate media coverage, with both print and digital platforms required to cover the meetings for wider public awareness.
The CDCU stressed that not all public appearances by ministers qualify as stakeholder engagements, specifically excluding TV interviews, speeches at events, and other forums without direct stakeholder involvement.
These new rules aim to bridge the gap between the government and citizens, fostering dialogue and ensuring public feedback influences policy decisions.
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