Respect boundaries, avoid power struggles — FG warns agency heads, boards

By Kunle Sanni –

The federal government has issued a stern warning to newly appointed chairmen, chief executive officers (CEOs), and board members of federal parastatals and agencies, cautioning them against administrative overreach and power struggles that could undermine service delivery.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered the warning on Thursday in Abuja while declaring open a high-level induction programme for the new appointees. The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was organised to align institutional leadership with the principles of good governance and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akume said the programme forms part of broader public sector reforms aimed at strengthening institutional performance, accountability, and effective governance. Agencies represented at the induction included the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Correctional Service, among others.

“The government is increasingly concerned about reports of power tussles and unhealthy relationships between boards and CEOs,” Akume said. “These frictions are often caused by failure to respect statutory boundaries, interference in executive functions, and personal ambition that distracts from service delivery.”

He highlighted troubling practices such as board members issuing directives to staff, interfering in daily operations, initiating disciplinary actions against CEOs without due process, and inciting internal conflicts, including labour unrest.

Akume reminded participants that the governance of public institutions is guided by clear legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Acts establishing each agency, the Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations.

“While boards are expected to offer policy direction and oversight, CEOs are empowered to handle the day-to-day management of agencies,” he stated. “Board members must operate as part-time officers and avoid overstepping their mandates by appropriating privileges such as official vehicles, foreign trips, and accommodation allowances not assigned to them.”

He also announced that the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has been tasked with conducting post-induction impact assessments on agencies to monitor adherence to rules and foster improved collaboration between boards and management.