Lagos unveils 3-year plan to strengthen citizens’ engagement with government

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to deepen citizens’ participation in governance with the unveiling of its three-year Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy (2025–2027). The documents were presented on Monday in Lagos by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE).

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Abiodun, said the plan aims to strengthen the bond between the government and the people through effective communication of government activities, enabling citizens to take active roles in governance.

Afolabi noted that Lagos, being a state with people from diverse backgrounds, requires inclusive participation in government policies that shape the future of residents. He added that the new documents will improve public trust and expand opportunities for meaningful engagement between the government and the public.

He explained that the Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy align with the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, promoting transparent communication, enhancing collaboration between the executive and legislature, and ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged in decision-making.

According to him, the plan is built on the belief that public participation must become a culture rather than an occasional event, as a government that values its people must create continuous avenues for citizens to express themselves, offer opinions, and contribute solutions.

Afolabi also highlighted the CitizensGate platform, which allows Lagos residents toj communicate directly with the government, describing it as one of the ways the state is creating an environment where engagement is seamless and accessible.

He urged Lagosians to work with the government, stressing that governance is a collective responsibility requiring transparency from leaders and active participation from the people.

The Permanent Secretary of the OPL&CE, Engr Solabomi Shasore, said traditional rulers, social media influencers, media practitioners, civil society organisations, community development associations, and filmmakers are among the stakeholders who will drive the implementation of the strategy.

One of the participants, Cynthia Mbamalu, a human and gender rights advocate from Yiaga Africa, commended the OPL&CE and the Lagos State Government for the initiative.