From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Presidency has inaugurated the National Community Engagement Framework Drafting Committee, positioning it as a key tool for bridging the gap between federal policies and grassroots communities nationwide.
Senior Special Assistant President on Community Engagement for the North-West Abdullahi Yakasai, at a ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, noted that the framework will encapsulate the principles of partnership and collective action.
Yakasai said, “The framework drafting committee we are launching today embodies the spirit of partnership and collective action, ensuring that progress is shared responsibility.
“Our nation is at an important juncture where every decision must prioritise the wellbeing of our citizens.
“First, you will dialogue and have a meaningful conversation and action. It will present a new chapter in our nation’s history that is built on the principles of inclusivity and equity.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North‑Central), Abiodun Essiet, on her part said the framework would serve as a “blueprint for action” to ensure that no citizen feels excluded from national decision‑making.
“Today is not just a ceremony; it is a call to serve, to innovate, and to rise to the occasion,” she told committee members and invited dignitaries.
She added, “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.”
Essiet encouraged members from government, civil society, and the private sector to serve as “bridges between policy and people,” emphasizing that their role extends beyond representation to fostering trust and driving meaningful outcomes.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s directive, she explained, the committee will develop guidelines for collaborative governance, inclusive decision-making, and citizen empowerment.
The framework, once finalised, aims to institutionalize regular dialogue between federal agencies and local communities to enhance service delivery and build public confidence in government programs.
Initial tasks include mapping existing community engagement initiatives, identifying gaps, and establishing measurable impact metrics.
While Essiet did not specify a timeline for completing the draft framework, she assured that the committee would act with “courage, commitment, and clarity of purpose” to deliver swift results.
“Nigeria is counting on us. Let us rise to the call,” she concluded.
The State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, highlighted the critical importance of the committee’s assignment and its potential to benefit communities nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lukman Kilani, he conveyed his assurance of unwavering support for the committee, stating, “He has asked me to assure this committee of our support at all times to ensure a successful assignment that will positively impact communities across the country.”
A consultant on the project, the CEO at Environmental Harmony Limited, Mrs Kitan Oluwagbuyi, outlined a six-week plan to develop a National Stakeholders’ Engagement Framework. The framework aims to structure stakeholder identification and engagement, create governance tools, strengthen feedback mechanisms, and enhance government transparency in community-driven programs.
The first two weeks will focus on stock-taking, with committee members presenting status reports and engagement strategies. By weeks three and four, a draft framework will be circulated for review. The final two weeks will involve refining the document and submitting it to the Federal Government for approval and nationwide implementation.
The stakeholders received goodwill messages from the President of the Community Development Practitioners of Nigeria, Bello Shittu; Professor of Public Policy, Governance and Core Government Functionality at the University of Abuja, Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman and the Sarkin Bwari, Auwal Musa Ijakolo II.
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