FCT's Bottom-Up Policy Enhances Community Engagement

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is experiencing improved results in public policy through a bottom-up approach, as noted by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu.

This method contrasts with the traditional top-down strategy, which often disconnects government decisions from the actual needs of the people. Minister Bar Nyesom Wike has observed a shift towards participatory governance, particularly in rural infrastructure planning, where communities are increasingly consulted to identify priorities.

This approach has led to the successful implementation of projects that reflect the needs of residents. The Jibi resettlement scheme serves as a notable example of past failures when major policy decisions did not align with the expectations of beneficiaries, resulting in delays and resistance.

The current administration encourages community involvement in identifying priorities for road infrastructure and social-economic projects, which has improved access to markets, healthcare, and education. This participatory model is supported by theories from scholars like Paul Sabati and Richard Elmore, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in policy formulation.