Lagos Govt unveils 3-year strategic, communication plans to deepen citizens’ engagement
Lagos State Government has launched its three-year Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy (2025–2027), aimed at strengthening citizen participation and enhancing communication between the government and the public.
The documents were unveiled on Monday in Lagos by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE).
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun, said the initiative is designed to reinforce the relationship between the government and residents by ensuring more effective dissemination of government activities.
This, he said, will empower citizens to take an active role in governance.
Afolabi noted that Lagos, being a diverse state, requires robust citizen involvement in policy formulation and implementation.
He added that the strategic documents are expected to boost public trust and create wider opportunities for meaningful interaction between the government and the populace.
“The Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy align deeply with the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
“The plan fosters transparent communication, enhances collaboration between the executive and legislature, and ensures that both formal and informal stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process. Public participation must become a culture rather than an event,”he said.
He outlined several approaches that the Office will deploy, including strategic dialogues, structured town hall meetings, digital feedback platforms, advisory mechanisms, and targeted civic education initiatives.
Afolabi also highlighted the CitizensGate platform—an existing digital channel for residents to communicate with government as an example of efforts to ensure barrier-free engagement.
He urged Lagosians to support the government, stressing that governance thrives on transparency and collective responsibility.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of OPL&CE, Engr. Solabomi Shasore, said a broad range of stakeholders including traditional rulers, social media influencers, media practitioners, civil society groups, community associations, and film producers will drive the implementation of the new strategy.
“Every citizen wants the government to communicate with them. The plan outlines everything we need to do to achieve that. Your expertise is vital in amplifying our message. Our mandate is to ensure citizens are well engaged,” she said.
A participant at the event and human and gender rights advocate with Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, commended the Lagos State Government and OPL&CE for the initiative.
“Civic engagement is essential to Nigeria’s democracy. You cannot talk about democracy without citizens’ participation. These strategic documents will strengthen policies that promote the relationship between government and the people,” she said.
