From Policy to People: Exploring Citizens’ Role in Shaping Public Policy in Nigeria

Citizen participation is a cornerstone of democratic governance, shaping how public policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. In Nigeria, the role of citizens in influencing public policy remains a critical factor in determining policy effectiveness and legitimacy. This study adopts a qualitative approach based entirely on secondary data, including policy documents, government reports, academic literature, and archival materials, to examine how citizens engage with public policy processes. The study is guided by Participatory Democracy Theory, which emphasises the active role of citizens in decision-making and policy shaping. The analysis reveals that although institutional frameworks for participation exist, meaningful citizen engagement is often constrained by limited access to information, low political literacy, and gaps in participatory mechanisms. Based on these insights, the study recommends improving access to policy information, strengthening institutional mechanisms for public participation, and promoting civic education to enhance informed engagement.