Presidency Launches National Community Engagement Committee to Drive Engagement
The Presidency has inaugurated a National Community Engagement Framework Drafting Committee to design a structure that will bring government policies and programmes closer to local communities across Nigeria.
At the official launch held at the State House in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Yakasai, said the committee represents a new era of collaboration between the federal government and citizens.
“The framework drafting committee we are launching today embodies the spirit of partnership and collective action, ensuring that progress is shared responsibility,” Yakasai said.
“Our nation is at an important juncture where every decision must prioritise the wellbeing of our citizens. Today is not just a ceremony; it is a call to serve, to innovate, and to rise to the occasion,” he added.
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The committee, which includes representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector, has been tasked with developing a framework that will serve as a bridge between policy and people. Its initial assignments include mapping existing engagement efforts, identifying gaps, and proposing measurable indicators of success.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-Central), Mrs Abiodun Essiet, noted that the framework would serve as a blueprint for action to ensure no Nigerian feels excluded from national development.
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“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 task before us goes beyond representation; we must inspire trust and drive impact,” she said.
Essiet added that although no specific timeline was announced, the committee would work with courage, commitment, and clarity of purpose under the directive of President Bola Tinubu to draft clear guidelines for inclusive governance and citizen empowerment.
According to a committee member Oluwagbuyi, the first two weeks will focus on stock-taking, during which members will present status reports and strategies based on past community outreach efforts.
The drafting of the framework by external consultants is expected in three and four weeks, while the final phase will involve reviewing and adopting the document for submission to the Federal Government.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Prof. Bello Shittu, President of the Community Development Practitioners of Nigeria; Prof. Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman of the University of Abuja; and the Sarkin Bwari, Auwal Musa Ijakolo II.
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