At a recent birthday ceremony for Professor Usman Ugbo, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, an expert emphasized the need for a stronger government-citizen relationship in Nigeria.

In his paper titled “Towards Promoting a Robust Government-Citizens Relationship in Nigeria,” he critiqued the prevailing perception among governments that view citizens as adversaries rather than vital partners in development.

He argued that the disconnect between citizens and government is a significant contributor to the disappointments experienced in Nigerian democracy.

The speaker pointed out that while the Federal Government’s relationship with citizens is relatively better, state administrations and Local Government Councils (LGCs) suffer from alarming disconnections. He asserted that sustainable development requires policies that genuinely impact citizens’ lives, rather than relying on temporary measures such as cash transfers. For governments to regain public trust, they must foster a mindset shift among Nigerians, encouraging them to view the nation as a shared responsibility and to engage actively in governance.

He urged citizens to overcome disillusionment and remain involved in national affairs, as meaningful development is contingent on their bond with the government. The expert warned against the pitfalls of propaganda and stressed the importance of genuine dialogue, stating that government perspectives often fail to resonate with the populace due to the existing disconnect. He concluded by advocating for governments to reconnect with citizens and adapt policies that align with their needs, rather than simply borrowing foreign ideas that may not be well received.