Hadiza Bala Usman, serving as the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and the Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, has articulated the administration’s commitment to establishing a robust governance system. She highlighted the importance of earning the trust of citizens during a panel discussion at the Closeout Event of the Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL) Programme held in Abuja.
The PERL Programme is a significant initiative that enhances public-sector accountability and governance. Funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), this program has been operational in Nigeria for eight years, working to improve governance practices across various sectors.
During her remarks, Bala Usman stressed that building trust among the populace is essential for effective governance. To facilitate this, the administration has launched several innovative initiatives, including the Citizen Delivery Tracker. This tool enables citizens to engage actively in governance by monitoring the performance of government officials and providing feedback on their deliverables.
The Citizen Delivery Tracker, according to Bala Usman, has been a project of the Central Results Delivery Unit for many years, with its official launch occurring just last year. This initiative empowers citizens by giving them a platform to participate in governance actively and hold their leaders accountable.
Bala Usman also addressed the common disconnect between elected officials and the citizens they represent. She noted that while politicians are often visible and approachable during campaigns, they may become more isolated once they assume office, retreating into their vehicles and making it challenging for citizens to engage with them.
This phenomenon of detachment is a significant concern for the administration. Bala Usman emphasized the need to recognize and actively engage citizens to bridge the gap between government and the public. The administration is dedicated to fostering an environment where citizens feel involved and valued in decision-making.
She further elaborated that citizens play a crucial role in the political landscape. Their input and feedback are vital for enhancing governance and ensuring that the administration effectively meets the mandates given to them by the electorate.
The administration prioritizes transparency and accountability, seeking to create a culture where citizens can freely express their opinions and contribute to governance. This level of engagement is essential for building a trusting relationship between the government and the public.
Bala Usman’s insights reflect a commitment to transforming the traditional notion of citizen engagement. The administration aims to shift from a model of isolation to one of collaboration, where citizens are actively involved in the governance process.
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By fostering active participation, the administration hopes to enhance public trust and improve the overall effectiveness of its initiatives. This collaborative approach is seen as a means to empower citizens and ensure their voices are heard politically.
In conclusion, the administration’s initiatives, as articulated by Bala Usman, underscore a broader commitment to governance that prioritizes citizen engagement and accountability. By implementing tools like the Citizen Delivery Tracker, the government aims to ensure that citizens are informed and play a significant role in shaping the policies that impact their lives.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a governance system responsive to the citizens’ needs, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the populace. This vision for governance seeks to create a more inclusive and participatory political environment in Nigeria.
