CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: A COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH IN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVED DECISION MAKING IN NIGERIA

The purpose of this study was to examine the greater use of citizen participation in planning and development in Nigeria. A review of the literature, a historical study of Nigeria, and case studies on citizen participation in some developed countries and Nigeria indicated that planning was most effective only when it involved a cross-section of persons who were to be affected by the plan. The main feature of the study was a survey which examined how citizen-participation factors in planning and development for developed countries compared with citizen-participation factors for Nigeria. Data were collected by means of questionnaires from a diverse group of 43 experts who now live in the United States, but who have been to Nigeria or have consulted there as a consequence of their professions. The results of the study indicated that differences exist between the degree of importance of citizen participation factors in planning and development for developed countries and for Nigeria. They further revealed the importance of understanding the culture of the society and the importance of the use of traditional rulers, community heads and elders in planning and development in Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was proposed that a complementary approach which actively involves traditional rulers as liaisons between the citizens and the planning and development authorities be introduced. In addition, it was proposed that the use of English and the various native languages would keep open communication channels between the governed and the governors. This study was conducted because researchers in the past have examined and raised issues on citizen participation in a variety of settings, but few have conducted these comparative investigations between developed countries and developing countries. It is hoped that the study will be a contribution toward an attempt to seek solutions to the diversified problems of developing countries around the world. It was concluded that research examining the possible use of greater citizen participation in planning and development in Nigeria is not only necessary but imperative