Akume: FG is Building Economy, Creating Opportunities, Restoring Confidence in Governance

Nigeria's federal government is actively constructing an economy designed to foster opportunities and rebuild public trust in governance, stated Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Speaking at the 2026 Permanent Secretaries’ Retreat in Akwa Ibom State, Akume outlined the core objectives of the government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

“

Roads must be completed. Hospitals must be equipped. Schools must be improved. Water and sanitation projects must reach communities. Security infrastructure must be strengthened. Investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, technology and critical infrastructure must translate into better lives for Nigerians.

He stressed that realizing these aspirations requires more than just budget allocations. Disciplined implementation, careful financial management, and procurement processes that ensure value for money are crucial. Akume highlighted that the government's success is ultimately judged by the tangible results its policies deliver to citizens, not just the policies themselves. "Roads must be completed. Hospitals must be equipped. Schools must be improved. Water and sanitation projects must reach communities. Security infrastructure must be strengthened," he stated, emphasizing the need for investments in key sectors to translate into improved living standards.

“

The quality of procurement planning, the timeliness of project execution, the integrity of contract administration and the effectiveness of financial oversight are all influenced by your leadership.

Akume called upon permanent secretaries, as accounting officers, to provide the essential institutional leadership for transforming government policies into concrete achievements. He noted that their roles influence procurement planning, project execution, contract administration, and financial oversight. This responsibility, he explained, extends beyond mere administrative compliance, demanding strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability. Every procurement decision, he asserted, should bolster public trust and demonstrate responsible stewardship of public resources.

“

This places on you a responsibility that extends beyond administrative compliance. It calls for strategic thinking, ethical leadership and a steadfast commitment to the principles of transparency, fairness and accountability.

The SGF also pointed to the government's priority of enhancing budget implementation. While progress has been made in budget preparation and aligning expenditures with national priorities, Akume reiterated that true success lies in efficient budget execution, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. He noted that past experiences reveal challenges stemming from delayed procurement planning, weak project preparation, fragmented coordination, and inadequate contract management.

“

Every procurement decision should reinforce public trust and demonstrate responsible stewardship of public resources.