Abuja:The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a quarterly government-civil society policy dialogue forum aimed at enhancing citizens’ involvement in policy development, implementation, and evaluation. President Bola Tinubu revealed this initiative at the 2026 National Civil Society Organisation Summit, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the forum will offer a structured platform for evidence-based advocacy and ensure that local community concerns are integrated into government decisions. Additionally, President Tinubu committed to broadening civic engagement for social accountability by collaborating more closely with accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) on public finance transparency, budget tracking, and monitoring humanitarian and grassroots projects.
The initiative is part of the government’s effort to strengthen public trust and institutional accountability while pursuing its reform agenda. President Tinubu emphasized the critical role civil society has historically played in Nigeria’s democratic development, advocating for social justice, human rights, and anti-corruption measures. He highlighted that his administration views a vibrant civil society as essential for achieving sustainable development.
President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by recent economic reforms but expressed optimism about transitioning towards prosperity. He emphasized the necessity of economic growth leading to social inclusion and stressed the importance of collaborations among government, civil society, and other stakeholders.
Civil society leaders at the summit called for a formal mechanism to incorporate grassroots intelligence and community concerns into government policies and budget decisions. Amb. Kunle Yusuff, the National Convener of the summit, highlighted the extensive grassroots information available through CSOs, which can aid the government in identifying emerging issues and crafting responsive solutions.
Yusuff proposed a sustainable partnership framework to address national priorities collectively, emphasizing the need for cooperation between government, civil society, and the private sector. He also noted that civil society leaders had previously submitted recommendations to the Presidency, with some already receiving attention.
The summit featured discussions on national development, governance, and the importance of reflecting citizens’ concerns in government policies, with participation from various government officials and civil society leaders.