In a decisive push for transparency and citizen participation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered all federal ministries to hold mandatory quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens Engagement Meetings. This directive, issued through the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, aims to foster direct interaction between government officials and Nigerians, ensuring that governance remains inclusive and responsive.
Under the new policy, ministers, permanent secretaries, and top government officials must engage with civil society organizations, professional groups, the media, and everyday citizens at least once every three months. These meetings will serve as a platform for open dialogue, allowing Nigerians to voice concerns, ask questions, and receive direct responses on government policies and initiatives.
To ensure compliance, the Presidency has outlined strict accountability measures. Casual media interviews, investor meetings, or other informal public appearances will not count as official stakeholder engagements. Ministries must provide documented evidence, including official invitations, attendance records, presentation materials, and comprehensive reports on how public feedback influences government decisions.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation has been assigned the crucial role of coordinating media coverage, ensuring that these engagements reach the widest possible audience. By mandating transparency at the highest levels, President Tinubu signals his commitment to an inclusive governance approach where citizens are not just spectators but active participants in shaping national policies.
With this directive, the Tinubu administration sends a clear message: ministers must engage, listen, and act in the interest of the people—no excuses, no shortcuts.
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