Secretary to Nigeria’s Govt Forum begins in northcentral Plateau

Nigeria

Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has officially declared open the 2025 2nd Quarter meeting of the Forum of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Secretaries to the Governments of States (SSGs) in the northcentral state of Plateau.

In his opening address, Senator Akume highlighted that this session, the second since the country’s President, Bola Tinubu’s administration began.

The Forum aims to enhance governance by aligning policies between the federal and state governments. The meeting’s theme, “Understanding the Dynamics in the Roles and Functions of Secretaries to the Government of States,” underscores the critical role the SGF and SSGs play as the operational core of government.

In a statement by the Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, made available to news outlets, Senator Akume described their duties as vital to coordinating policy, managing cabinet affairs, facilitating inter-governmental and ministerial relations, and maintaining institutional memory for consistent governance. He stressed the urgent need for SSGs to keep pace with rapid changes in governance influenced by technology and rising citizen expectations. Digital innovation, transparency, inclusiveness, and responsiveness, he said, must form the bedrock of effective policy implementation. Additionally, SSGs were encouraged to support security efforts proactively and continually develop leadership competencies.

He characterized the Forum as a key platform to streamline implementation strategies and encouraged participants to strengthen collaborative frameworks that foster effective governance.

Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in his goodwill message, acknowledged the SGF and SSGs as principal advisers to the President and Governors, respectively. He emphasized their unique influence, noting that key memos reach them directly rather than via deputies. Governor Mutfwang called on all participants to honor the trust placed in them and urged unified efforts across all stakeholders to deliver good governance and support federal initiatives for national progress.

The meeting concluded as a pivotal opportunity for federal and state government officials to deepen cooperation in the pursuit of better governance for Nigerians.