AKUME MOVES TO END BOARD-CEO CLASHES IN FEDERAL AGENCIES
Nafisat Makinde, ABUJA
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, has moved to address growing conflicts between governing boards and chief executive officers of federal agencies, warning that persistent power struggles are undermining productivity and institutional harmony across government establishments.
This was contained in a statement signed by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on May 18, 2026.
Akume gave the warning on Monday during the induction programme for chairmen, chief executive officers and members of governing boards of federal parastatals, agencies and commissions in Abuja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the SGF said governing boards must operate strictly within their statutory mandates and avoid interference in the day-to-day administration of agencies.
He explained that boards are responsible for policy direction and strategic oversight, while chief executive officers are charged with the daily management and administration of their institutions.
Akume expressed concern over increasing cases of misunderstanding between boards and agency heads, noting that such disputes have negatively affected efficiency and service delivery in some federal institutions.
“The Public Service remains the principal vehicle for policy implementation and service delivery in Nigeria,” he said, adding that parastatals, agencies and commissions were established to implement government policies and national priorities.
The SGF urged board chairmen and members to familiarise themselves with the enabling laws and operational guidelines governing their agencies to ensure effective and harmonious working relationships.
He outlined the responsibilities of governing boards to include protecting the long-term interests of government, promoting sustainable institutional practices, strengthening internal control mechanisms and monitoring management performance.
Akume also disclosed that the Bureau of Public Service Reforms had been directed to conduct impact assessments on agencies participating in the induction programme to evaluate compliance with existing regulations and assess operational effectiveness.
He urged appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, accountability, transparency and commitment to effective service delivery in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.