Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has urged for a deliberate enhancement of government-citizen relations, citing it as a crucial factor for economic growth in the country. He made these remarks during the Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, held at Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.

The conference, titled “Reassessing Government-Citizens Engagement in Nigeria for Economic Development,” drew  participation of prominent government officials, traditional leaders, security agencies, and corporate organizations. Prof. Sulaiman underscored the significance of fostering meaningful government-citizen relations, stressing the importance of mutual understanding and awareness of responsibilities between the citizenry and the government.

He emphasized that citizens should recognize the multifaceted nature of the government, comprising the legislature, executive, and judiciary, collaboratively working towards a common purpose guided by the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law. He articulated the need for envisioning key principles in the partnership between government and citizens for economic development.

Furthermore, he highlighted the indispensable role of accountability in this partnership, noting that a responsible government takes ownership of its actions and decisions, especially concerning the allocation, application, and management of public resources. The DG asserted that accountability serves as the cornerstone of a robust democracy, assuring citizens that their interests are protected.