The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has successfully convened the 3rd Quarter Stakeholders’ and Citizens’ Engagement Forum, themed “Deepening Inclusive Governance through Regional Collaboration and Grassroots Participation.” The forum brought together stakeholders, civil society representatives, traditional institutions, local government functionaries, directors, heads of units, and citizens—both physically and virtually—to strengthen dialogue between government and the people.
The speech of the Honourable Minister of FMSDIGA, Hon. Zephania Jisalo mfr, was delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, the Ministry with its cross-sectoral mandate, plays a pivotal role in linking policy, people and projects. He highlighted achievements recorded in the first three quarters of 2025, including enhanced monitoring and accountability for constituency projects, full automation of the Enterprise Content Management and Performance Management Systems, facilitation of the activities of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, and sustained intergovernmental collaborations such as the Nigeria Local Government Development Summit. He further pointed to international partnerships, notably with China, the recognition of deserving Nigerians and international figures through National Honours, and the verification of over 110 intervention projects nationwide. Looking forward, he underscored the Ministry’s determination to promote intergovernmental relations, advance inclusive development and ensure transparency in all government interventions.
The PS, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, warmly welcomed participants, noting that the gathering was anchored on a shared purpose: bridging government policy with public expectations, and aligning national goals with community needs. He emphasized the Ministry’s role as a conduit for grassroots development and outlined major milestones achieved in 2025. These include strengthened accountability in constituency projects through collaboration with the Accountant General of the Federation, the launch of a robust digital governance platform in partnership with Galaxy Backbone and the AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation, procurement of official buses to boost staff welfare, and advocacy for local government autonomy. Other highlights included verification of 110 constituency projects across Nigeria, preparations for the 2024 National Honours Award, international collaboration with the Embassy of China, and coordination of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. Dr. Ihemelandu reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to deepen intergovernmental synergy, enhance digital processes, and forge citizen-inclusive policies that reflect the realities of Nigerians.
The forum also featured departmental briefings and achievements of the various Agency, Departments and Units. Notably, His Excellency Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, applauded Nigeria’s developmental strides, especially in the economic sector, while encouraging further investment in youth empowerment as the future of the nation. He affirmed the Embassy’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria in mutually beneficial partnerships.
Stakeholders’ remarks underscored the spirit of constructive engagement. The Director General of the Committee of Youths on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), Chief Obinna N., commended the Ministry for prompt interventions but called for accelerated renovation of Merit House and inclusion of stakeholders in monitoring Federal Executive Council (FEC) projects. He also recommended rotating future forums across local government areas and involving security agencies. Similarly, Mr. Emeka Mbanusi, representing the AMAC Area Council, applauded the Ministry’s reforms and suggested that the Performance Management System (PMS) be extended to Area Councils for improved accountability. The Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, represented by Ajoze Sumaila S., expressed gratitude to the Ministry while drawing attention to pressing financial constraints from new wage policies, security threats from illegal mining, and the urgent need for completion of the FCT University of Science and Technology project. Mr. Obiora Orji, representing ALGON, stressed that local governments are central to national development and must be fully integrated into service delivery and community engagement.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged the issues raised and assured stakeholders that steps were already in motion to address them. He confirmed that a budget proposal for the restructuring of Merit House has been submitted, welcomed the idea of involving security agencies in future engagements, and supported the rotation of forums to local government areas for wider reach. He assured the Abaji Area Council of the Ministry’s attention to their concerns and pledged stronger collaboration with ALGON and other grassroots actors.
The forum concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Justina Isaac, Deputy Director, PIMGD, who expressed appreciation to all participants, both onsite and online, for their contributions to deepening inclusive governance.
Sign
Mandal Francis Martin
For: Head of Press & Public Relations Unit
