FG drafts framework to guide public institutions in policy formulation

Hadiza Bala Usman, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy and coordination, says the federal government has drafted a framework to guide public institutions in formulating effective policies.

She spoke on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ validation session on the ‘Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework’ organised by her office.

Usman said the document resulted from collaboration between her office and the office of the secretary to the government of the federation.

She said the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (FCDO-PACE), and the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) were also involved.

“The National Policy Development and Management Framework offers a comprehensive and standardised framework that aims to improve the quality, consistency, and coordination of policymaking across ministries, departments, and agencies,” she said.

“It is designed to guide public institutions in formulating policies that are not only technically sound, but also inclusive, strategic, and results-oriented.

“One of the framework’s notable strengths is its emphasis on broad stakeholder engagement and collaboration throughout the policy cycle.”

Usman said the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening institutional frameworks and positioning public policy as a driver of national development.

“Recognising that sound policymaking is central to good governance, this administration is actively addressing long-standing gaps within the policy ecosystem—including policy inconsistency, inadequate clarity around formulation and implementation processes, and the absence of unified standards across government institutions,” she said.

“The Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework is a timely and strategic response to these challenges.

“It provides much-needed clarity, structure, and coherence, enabling policies to be developed with intent, implemented with discipline, and evaluated for real impact.

“Therefore, the development and validation of this framework represents a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to institutionalise effective governance processes and ensure that public policies translate into real, measurable benefits for the Nigerian people.”

She noted that the validation session is a step towards institutionalising a governance culture that is adaptive, coordinated, and transformative.

Also, Usman said an open dialogue, shared ownership, and constructive feedback are crucial to shaping the framework into a tool for strengthening policy development and management in Nigeria.

She added that the true measure of any policy lies in its implementation and impact on citizens.