In a bid to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and citizen participation in governance, the Presidency has introduced new guidelines for quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings.
The guidelines, issued through the Central Delivery Coordination Unit under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, aim to ensure that these meetings serve as genuine platforms for public engagement.
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 programs, and policies to the public. The goal 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 new guidelines mandate stricter requirements for ministries to ensure the effectiveness of these meetings. Some of the key guidelines include:
– *Quarterly Meetings*: Each ministry must hold at least one stakeholder or citizen engagement meeting every quarter.
– *Minister’s Participation*: The minister must personally lead the session alongside the permanent secretary and other top officials.
– *High-Level Interaction*: The engagement must be a high-level interaction where government officials not only inform the public but also receive direct feedback from stakeholders.
– *Broad Participation*: The meetings must involve civil society organizations, professional groups, the media, and ordinary citizens.
– *Media Coverage*: The mass media, including print and electronic media, as well as major online platforms, must be invited to cover these engagements to maximize public awareness.
– *Feedback Mechanism*: Ministers and ministry officials must be prepared to respond to concerns raised by stakeholders both during and after the meetings.
To ensure transparency and accountability, ministries must submit evidence of compliance, including:
– *Invitation Letters*: Copies of invitation letters sent to stakeholders.
– *Attendance List*: A list of attendees.
– *Minister’s Presentation*: A copy of the minister’s presentation.
– *Detailed Report*: A detailed report of the discussions held.
– *Feedback Documentation*: Documentation of specific feedback received and proof of how it has been implemented in government decision-making.
The introduction of these new guidelines has been welcomed by experts, who see it as a step in the right direction towards enhancing transparency and citizen participation in governance. However, some have expressed concerns about the ability of ministries to comply with the new guidelines, given the existing bureaucratic challenges.
The introduction of new guidelines for ministers’ citizen engagement meetings is a significant step towards enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and citizen participation in governance.
The guidelines aim to ensure that these meetings serve as genuine platforms for public engagement, and that ministers are held accountable for their actions. As the government continues to work towards achieving its goals, it is essential that citizens remain engaged and informed about the policies and programs that affect their lives.