Akume Challenges SSGs To Improve Policy Implementation Strategies

Akume Challenges SSGs To Improve Policy Implementation Strategies

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has emphasised the crucial role of secretaries to state governments in translating national policies into concrete action at the state level.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Forum of Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGFs) and Secretaries to State Government (SSGs) in Abuja on Thursday, Akume stressed the importance of tailoring policies to meet the unique needs of each state, optimizing resources, and ensuring effective implementation to improve citizens’ lives.

The meeting was themed “Improving Policy Coordination and Implementation for Sustainable National Development: The Roles of Secretaries to the State Governments.”

He highlighted the forum as an opportunity for knowledge sharing, peer reviews, and strengthening linkages between national and sub-national levels of government to drive socio-economic growth and development.

He further noted that unified action across all government levels is essential for achieving national development goals, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to build resilient governance structures.

Akume underscored the urgency of addressing global issues like climate change, asserting that the role of Secretaries is pivotal in improving the lives of Nigerians through actionable policy outcomes.

“As secretaries to state governments, you bear the immense responsibility of translating national policies into concrete action at the state level. Your roles are crucial in tailoring these policies to the unique needs of your respective states, optimizing resources, and ensuring that programs are effectively implemented to uplift the lives of the citizens you serve.

“This forum presents a unique opportunity for us to share insights, compare notes, and conduct peer reviews on the status of policy implementation across national and sub-national levels. Doing so ensures we strengthen the linkages between our various levels of government and drive the socio-economic growth and development of our country.”

Akume stressed that effective policy coordination and implementation are crucial to achieving the government’s development goals.

“It is important to recall that since the beginning of this administration, Mr. President has introduced bold policies and reform initiatives aimed at revitalizing and repositioning our economy for the benefit of all Nigerians. Naturally, such reforms come with their own set of challenges, as we continue the arduous but rewarding journey of nation-building.”

“The theme of this meeting therefore, and the papers that will be presented, have been carefully chosen to address the specific challenges we face at the sub-national level. These sessions are designed to highlight the critical roles and responsibilities of Secretaries to State Governments, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to assist your principals in effectively governing your states”

“In these challenging times, the importance of policy coordination and implementation is more critical than ever. As Nigeria navigates a complex array of socio-economic, environmental, and security challenges, it is imperative that we take clear, unified action across all levels of government.

“The success of our national agenda depends on how effectively we align federal, state, and local policies—ensuring that they are not only well-conceived but also consistently implemented. Achieving this requires a deep commitment to collaboration and a shared vision of our common goals”

“Furthermore, the rapidly changing global landscape—from economic disruptions to the pressing issue of climate change—demands that we act with urgency and precision. In this context, policy coordination serves as the backbone of national resilience.

“Harmonizing our efforts and working together in synergy, guarantees that we build stronger, more adaptive governance structures that are capable of meeting the diverse needs of our people. Now more than ever, the role of Secretaries to State Governments is pivotal in translating policy into actionable outcomes that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.”

In his keynote address, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim called for the formal institutionalization of the roles of Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and State Governments (SSG) to enhance their effectiveness.

Anyim, who was also SGF under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, highlighted that the current limitations of these roles within the executive branch hinder their operational capacity.

In his paper titled “Institutionalizing Effective Mechanisms and Synergy in the Coordination and Implementation of Government’s Policies and Programme with emphasis on the Functions and Roles of the Secretaries to the State Governments in the Coordination and Implementation of Government Policies and Programmes”, he proposed the establishment of a legal framework to define and protect these positions, emphasising the need for clear roles and improved policy coordination among government entities to foster better governance.

He suggested that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) should create a repository for all government records and policies, ensuring consistency and continuity.

Anyim also identified policy inconsistency as a major reason investors are deterred from investing in the country.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in his goodwill message at the event, commended the timely and critical theme of the forum, “Improving Policy Coordination and Implementation for National Development: The Roles of Secretaries to the Government of the States.”

He stressed the importance of effective policy coordination and implementation in achieving the nation’s developmental goals.

He praised the SGF, for initiating the forum, which provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices. He encouraged all participants to engage in robust discussions, foster collaborations, and explore innovative solutions to enhance policy implementation.

Wike underscored the significance of synergy and cooperation between the National and Sub-national entities in fostering harmony and development.

He expressed confidence that the keynote speaker, Ayim, would enrich the discussions with his wealth of experience, leading to fruitful outcomes that will benefit the nation, drive positive change, and propel the country to greater heights.

Other speakers, including FCDO-PERL’s National Programme Manager, Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, highlighted the importance of partnership and knowledge sharing.