An initiative to increase citizen involvement in shaping government policy and administration has been launched by the presidency through the National Community Engagement Framework Drafting Committee.
The group is tasked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with developing policies for citizen empowerment, inclusive decision-making, and collaborative governance.
Within six weeks, the committee is anticipated to deliver its proposal. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Yakasai, hailed the program as a crucial stride toward inclusive governance during his remarks at Thursday’s inauguration ceremony at the State House, Abuja.
Yakasai said, “The framework drafting committee we are launching today embodies the spirit of partnership and collective action, ensuring that progress is a shared responsibility.
“Our nation is at an important juncture where every decision must prioritise the wellbeing of our citizens.”
The framework, according to Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-Central), will serve as a template to ensure that no person is excluded from the efforts that are being made to improve the nation.
“This is not just a ceremony; it is a call to serve, to innovate, and to rise to the occasion. This framework reflects our collective commitment to make sure no voice is left unheard, no community left behind, and every citizen feels seen, valued, and empowered.”
The Presidency’s support for the committee’s work was reiterated by Temitope Fashedemi, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, in a statement delivered by Lukman Kilani, the Director of Information and Communication Technology.
The framework would structure stakeholder mapping and interaction, offer participatory governance tools, and increase community-driven development transparency, she said.
She has stated that the initial two weeks will be dedicated to the assessment of previous outreach initiatives and the taking of stock. The basic framework for committee review will be drafted and circulated in weeks three and four.
In the remaining two weeks, the document will be revised, voted on, and submitted to the federal government for approval and execution.