One Year in Office: CSO Engages with Ministers, MDAs for Performance Review of Tinubu’s Govt.

As the country prepares to mark the first year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office on May 29, 2024, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups is gearing up to engage with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government (MDAs) to review their performance over the past year. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance governance and accountability in the country..

Evaluating Ministerial Performance

The leader and coordinator of the Coalition, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke, stresses the importance of evaluating government officials’ performance to ensure they are fulfilling their mandates. The scorecards are based on a comprehensive assessment conducted since the Ministers’ appointment last year, with the findings set to be made public on June 9, 2024.

Fostering Transparency and Accountability

Ambassador. Nkweke urges Ministers to engage openly with civil society groups, underscoring their vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. He raises concerns about the performance of certain officials who have fallen short of expectations, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement.

Ministerial Visitations Schedule

The Coalition has outlined a timetable for visiting ministries that have demonstrated commendable performance in the past year. The schedule is as follows:

• Day One – Friday, May 17, 2024: NDDC
• Day Two – Monday, May 20, 2024: Ministry of Works, Ministry of Women Affairs, EFCC
• Day Three – Wednesday, May 22, 2024: Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Ministry of Aviation, NITDA
• Day Four – Friday, May 24, 2024: Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, Ministries of Works, Interior
• Day Five – Monday, May 27, 2024: Ministry of Finance, CBN, Nigeria Immigration Service
  This structured approach aims to provide valuable feedback to Ministries and government agencies, enabling them to address any weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. By engaging with stakeholders, the goal is to cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence in governance.

The Vital Role of Civil Society

Civil society plays a crucial role in holding government officials accountable and ensuring efficient utilization of public resources. Through initiatives like the upcoming scorecard assessments, these groups offer valuable feedback that can enhance service delivery and governance practices.

Expectations and Recommendations

The Coalition’s assessment aims to provide a true reflection of the Minister’s performance, not as a witch hunt but as a call for improvement. While some Ministers have excelled in their roles, others need to step up and implement the recommendations provided by the civil society groups. The ultimate goal is to ensure effective governance and service delivery to the Nigerian people

In summary, the upcoming engagements between the Coalition of Civil Society Groups and Ministers, Heads of MDAs, demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. By collaborating to evaluate and address areas for improvement, stakeholders aim to establish a more responsive and efficient government that produces results for the Nigerian populace. This initiative underscores the significance of continual evaluation and dialogue in the pursuit of excellence in public service and governance..