Today, the Presidential Community Engagement Office formally inaugurated the National Stakeholders’ Engagement Framework Drafting Committee at the State House, Abuja. This inter-ministerial body brings nominees from key federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and representatives from academia, traditional institutions, the organized private sector, and civil society organizations.
In my welcome remarks, as the Chairperson of the Committee, I described the event as a pivotal moment in the journey towards inclusive governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. I emphasized that the framework will serve as a guiding document for citizen engagement, ensuring every voice is heard, and no community is left behind. I urged members to embrace their roles as vital connectors between the government and the grassroots, encouraging them to serve with dedication, build public trust, and champion real change.
“This framework is more than a document—it is a blueprint for action, a guide for engagement, and a promise to our people,”. “It reflects our collective resolve to ensure that no voice is unheard, no community is excluded, and every citizen is seen, valued, and empowered.”
Delivering a goodwill message, His Royal Highness Alhaji Awal Muhammad Ijakoro offered prayers for divine direction and encouraged members to fully commit themselves to the success of the committee’s mission. Professor Muhammad Bello Shitu, President of the Institute of Community Development Practitioners (ICDP) Nigeria, applauded the initiative’s inclusive nature, adding that meaningful stakeholder involvement fosters hope and strengthens service delivery. He reaffirmed his institution’s belief that community participation is central to achieving sustainable development.
Similarly, Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator of the Federal CARES Support Unit, acknowledged the federal government’s community interventions but pointed out the lack of local ownership. He expressed confidence that the framework would bridge that gap by legitimizing these efforts and encouraging greater community participation.
The SSA to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, officially inaugurated the committee. In his remarks, he described the framework as a strategic mechanism to strengthen grassroots communication of federal policies. He commended the collaborative efforts that led to the committee’s formation, stating that it symbolizes a new era in governance—driven by inclusivity, equity, sustainability, and citizen empowerment. “This framework is a roadmap for stakeholder engagement across sectors, fostering dialogue and driving impactful action,” he affirmed.
The inauguration of this committee marks a transformative step in institutionalizing participatory governance in Nigeria. By drawing voices from across the nation and sectors, the National Stakeholders’ Engagement Framework sets the stage for a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive government one that truly reflects the people’s will and aspirations.