Akume Warns MDA Boards Against Interfering In Daily Administration

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has warned governing boards of federal parastatals, agencies and commissions against interfering in the day-to-day administration of their institutions.

Akume issued the warning on Monday in Abuja during an induction programme for chief executive officers, chairmen and governing board members of parastatals, agencies and commissions.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chris Ugwuegbulam.

Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stressed that governing boards must operate strictly within their statutory mandates and avoid direct involvement in routine administrative functions.

He said boards are primarily responsible for policy direction and oversight, while chief executive officers are tasked with day-to-day management of their respective agencies.

According to him, increasing cases of role conflict between boards and chief executives have contributed to tensions and reduced productivity in some government institutions.

He explained that the induction programme was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of government policies, processes and operational procedures, while improving their capacity to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Akume noted that the public service remains the primary vehicle for implementing government policies and delivering services to citizens.

He added that parastatals, agencies and commissions were created to execute specific mandates within the framework of national priorities.

He urged board members to familiarise themselves with the laws and guidelines governing their institutions.

He listed their oversight responsibilities to include safeguarding the long-term interests of the federal government, promoting cost-effective practices, strengthening internal controls, monitoring management performance, and supporting strategic development initiatives.

The SGF also disclosed that the Bureau of Public Service Reforms had been directed to assess agencies whose officials participated in the induction programme in order to measure compliance and institutional harmony.

Akume further urged all appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, transparency, accountability and dedicated service.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening institutions and improving governance structures for more effective service delivery across Nigeria.