Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and one-time Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has emphasised the need for the roles of Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, SGF and State Governments, SSG to be institutionalised and protected by law.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the 2024 first meeting of the Forum of Secretaries to the Government of the Federation and State Governments, Anyim stressed that the current limitations of the SGF and SSG to the executive arm of government hinder their effectiveness.
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 identified policy inconsistency as a major reason investors are deterred from investing in the country.
Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with state governments to drive sustainable national development.
“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, optimising resources, and ensuring that programmes 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 revitalising 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. Harmonising 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”
Other speakers, including FCDO-PERL’s National Programme Manager, Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, highlighted the importance of partnership and knowledge sharing.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the roles of SGF and SSG in driving national development, with key stakeholders sharing best practices and strategies for effective governance.
The theme of the Forum is “Improving Policy Coordination and Implementation for Sustainable National Development:The Roles of Secretaries to the State government”
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
