Citizen Engagement in Nigeria’s Public Policy Process: A Comparative Analysis of State and Non-State Actors’ Perspectives

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of state and non-state actors' perspectives on citizen engagement in the public policy process in Nigeria. It addresses a critical question: are citizens actively engaged in shaping policy, or does their participation remain largely tokenistic, as characterised by Arnstein’s (1969) concept of "illusory" involvement? Employing a cross-sectional survey design with stratified and simple random sampling techniques, data were collected from 1,614 respondents across both state and non-state sectors. Descriptive analysis, using percentages and graphical presentations, reveals that while Nigeria has moved beyond the zone of non-participation associated with its historical period of military rule, citizen engagement predominantly remains within the zone of tokenism, marked by information sharing, consultation, and placation. Respondents widely perceived low levels of trust in government, poor performance, persistent corruption, and limited transparency and accountability as key barriers to deeper engagement. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence suggests an emerging shift toward partnership models of engagement, aligning with the higher rungs of Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation. The study recommends the adoption and institutionalisation of strategies for constructive engagement to broaden and deepen citizen participation in Nigeria’s public policy processes.

Keywords: Citizen engagement, citizen participation, drivers of citizen engagement, public policy process, state actors, non-state actors, and ladder of citizen participation.

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/15-3-01

Publication date: July 30^th 2025