Scope of Citizen Engagement in Public Policy Making, Implementation, and Reforms in Nigeria: A Non-State Actors’ Perspective

Abstract

The scope and depth of citizen engagement in public policymaking, implementation and reforms are crucial in determining governance outcomes, as wider and deeper engagements produce more beneficial outcomes. This article focuses on an analysis of Nigeria’s experience with the scope and depth of citizen engagement from the perspective of non-state actors.  Methodologically, this study used a cross-sectional sample survey design comprising a sample size of 1,021 non-state actors of different sub-groups selected across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data were analysed with descriptive statistical tools and are presented using tabular and graphic methods. Findings, among others, reveal that the scope and depth of citizen engagement, though showing signs of improvement after a long period of military rule, are still not wide and deep enough to be transformative and that certain drivers of engagement are not high enough to engender more participation by the citizens. The non-state actors themselves attribute the problem to the erroneous view by the state actors that the public is not sufficiently well informed to take part in deeper engagements because of the complex nature of governance. Yet, inclusiveness is key to building a public service that can deliver effective and efficient services.

Keywords: Citizen Engagement, public policy making and implementation, public sector reforms, non-state actors, inclusive policymaking process.

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/15-2-03

Publication date: May 30^th 2025