Says Initiative seeks to bridge information gap between government institutions and citizens
The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) and the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) have launched a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and public understanding of government institutions, with the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) emerging as the first agency featured under the initiative.
The initiative was unveiled during a one-day Civil Society Organisations Stakeholders’ Engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja on Wednesday, where civil society leaders, government officials and development stakeholders deliberated on strengthening partnerships for sustainable development and good governance.
President of CSGGG, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu declaring the event open, said the engagement was conceived to create a direct interface between government institutions and citizens through civil society organizations , which he described as critical drivers of accountability, transparency and public enlightenment.
According to him, many government agencies undertake impactful programmes that remain largely unknown to Nigerians due to inadequate public engagement and information dissemination.
He explained that the initiative would place MDAs under constructive public scrutiny, enabling citizens to better understand their mandates, achievements, challenges and contributions to national development.
“NTAC is the first agency we are engaging under this initiative. Our objective is not only to demand accountability but also to promote awareness and help Nigerians appreciate the work being done by public institutions,” Ogakwu said.
He described civil society organisations as gatekeepers of public trust whose role extends beyond advocacy to fostering dialogue, strengthening democratic participation and encouraging citizen engagement in governance.
In a presentation at the engagement, Comrade Jacob Obanachi said Nigerians who have left the country in search of better opportunities and to represent Nigeria abroad have continued to positively influence their host countries through regular migration and professional contributions.
He noted that the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has also contributed significantly to the nation’s economy through diaspora remittances and the global impact of Nigerian professionals, stressing that these contributions have continued to enhance Nigeria’s image and have not gone unnoticed internationally.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), Comrade Christopher Ofomhi, stressed the importance of creating platforms that encourage collaboration between government institutions and civil society actors.
He noted that sustainable development can only be achieved when stakeholders engage openly and work together to address governance challenges.
Other speakers at the event highlighted the importance of citizen participation, transparency and institutional accountability in improving governance outcomes and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.
