Embrace collaboration, transparency, SGF urges new ministers

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on newly appointed ministers to foster collaboration and uphold transparency in driving forward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akume emphasized the importance of cooperative governance at a two-day induction retreat held in Abuja, organized by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Addressing the ministers, Akume highlighted the need for inter-ministerial collaboration and strategic partnerships with Permanent Secretaries, agency heads, and other stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s key challenges, ranging from economic recovery to sustainable development.

“Effective inter-ministerial cooperation will be crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges we face, from economic recovery to social cohesion and sustainable development,” he stated.

Akume also urged the ministers to embody transparency, accountability, and excellence, underscoring these values as critical to fulfilling their roles as custodians of public trust.

He assured them of the OSGF’s support in helping ministries achieve their mandates, while urging the ministers to lead efforts in formulating, implementing, and tracking government policies and programs.

The retreat also featured remarks from Boss Mustapha, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Mustapha advised the ministers to work closely with the OSGF in implementing the administration’s eight priority areas within the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adding to the call for collaboration, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, encouraged ministers to work with their Permanent Secretaries to fulfill their mandates. She highlighted the Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025 as a key framework, urging ministries to remain engaged with this ongoing reform initiative.

Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordinating Unit, noted that the retreat serves as an opportunity for ministers to align with the administration’s priority areas.

She emphasized the theme of the induction, “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” as a focal point for the ministers to build effective collaborations within their ministries.

Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director General of the Directorate of State Services and a resource person at the retreat, cautioned ministers on the need for discretion in managing sensitive government documents to safeguard national security.