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Presidency sets new rules for ministers’ citizen engagement meetings
The Presidency on Wednesday outlined new conditions for the quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings, emphasising the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and citizen participation in governance.
The guidelines, issued through the Central Delivery Coordination Unit under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, mandate stricter requirements for ministries to ensure these meetings serve as genuine platforms for public engagement.
According to the CDCU, the engagement meetings were introduced as a deliverable for every ministry in response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all ministers regularly communicate government initiatives, beneficial programmes, and policies to the public.
“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 statement read.
The meetings, it added, are expected to enhance public understanding of government policies while preventing misinterpretation.
As part of the newly established conditions, each ministry must hold at least one stakeholder or citizen engagement meeting every quarter, with the minister personally leading the session alongside the permanent secretary and other top officials.
The CDCU emphasised that the engagement must be a high-level interaction where government officials not only inform the public but also receive direct feedback from stakeholders, which would be taken into consideration for policy adjustments.
To ensure broad participation, the CDCU stated that the meetings must involve civil society organisations, professional groups, the media, and ordinary citizens.
It stressed that the mass media—both print and electronic, including major online platforms—must be invited to cover these engagements to maximise public awareness.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation is also required to play a key role in coordinating media participation.
It also clarified that not all ministerial public appearances qualify as stakeholder engagements.
Such encounters include, “Ministers granting scheduled interviews (TV, radio or at events) to explain policies without stakeholders’ involvement.
“Ministers attending events and speaking about Ministry activities without stakeholders’ participation,” the statement read.
Similarly, recorded familiarisation visits by investors will not be considered a substitute for these meetings.
Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.
She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others
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