Akume Pushes Oil Reforms, Food Security At Board Inaugurations
Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
Nigeria’s push for oil sector reforms and improved food security gained momentum on Tuesday as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, charged the boards of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to uphold transparency and accountability at their inauguration in Abuja.
The charge was given on April 28, 2026, during separate inauguration ceremonies for the two boards, which the SGF described as key milestones in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen governance frameworks, deepen sectoral reforms and accelerate inclusive national development. The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga.
At the inauguration of the NUPRC Board, Akume said the exercise marked a critical step in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), enacted to reposition Nigeria’s petroleum industry through improved regulatory clarity, institutional independence and adherence to global best practices. He noted that the move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that upstream petroleum resources are managed transparently, efficiently and in the best interest of Nigerians.
He added that as the apex governance body of the Commission, the board is expected to provide strategic oversight, policy direction and institutional stability required to boost investor confidence, optimise revenue generation and promote sustainable development in the upstream sector. The SGF stressed that the appointments reflect a deliberate selection of individuals with proven competence, integrity and professional experience.
Akume urged members of the NUPRC Board to work constructively with management and stakeholders while maintaining regulatory independence, emphasising that integrity, diligence and fidelity to the law must guide all their decisions. He noted that public trust and national interest depend heavily on their stewardship and reiterated that effective regulation of the upstream sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, energy security and fiscal sustainability.
In a separate ceremony inaugurating the NALDA Board, the SGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation as a key driver of national development. He described the Authority as a strategic vehicle for poverty eradication, food security enhancement, job creation and rural transformation, highlighting initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estates, Green Hope Project, Aqua Hope Project and the Renewed Hope Restoration Project.
He tasked the NALDA Board to scale up its programmes across more states, strengthen the use of technology and expand opportunities for youth and women in agriculture. Akume urged members of both boards to approach their assignments with patriotism and a strong sense of duty, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support, while expressing optimism that their tenure would deliver impactful contributions to Nigeria’s development priorities.