George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) has charged Secretaries to State Governments across Nigeria to embrace technological tools, deepen collaboration, and proactively support security coordination to meet the demands of modern governance.
Akume made the call during the 2025 second quarter meeting of the Forum of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Secretaries to Government of States on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau state capital.
Akume emphasised the strategic importance of the Secretaries’ roles in governance, describing them as the “engine room of all government operations.”
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He noted that their functions span policy coordination, cabinet affairs, inter-ministerial relations, and maintaining institutional memory, stressing the need for continuous adaptation to the evolving political and administrative landscape.
“This meeting is the second of its kind since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the first for this year. The theme, ‘Understanding the Dynamics in the Roles and Functions of Secretaries to the Government of States,’ highlights the crucial position you all occupy at the intersection of governance, coordination, and policy implementation,” the SGF stated.
Akume underscored the importance of discretion, diligence, and strategic thinking in discharging the responsibilities of the office.
He noted that the emergence of new challenges, especially in the digital space, demands that government secretaries improve their leadership capacity and embrace innovation.
“The complexity of governance today means we must fully leverage digital tools for tracking, analysis, and communication. Citizens are now more informed, connected, and demand greater transparency and inclusivity,” he said, adding that the secretaries must reflect these realities in their policies and public engagements.
Turning to the country’s persistent security challenges, the SGF urged secretaries to play more proactive roles in supporting inter-agency coordination and enhancing leadership across government structures.
“We cannot afford to be reactive. As Secretaries to Governments, you must be at the forefront of fostering synergy in security and peacebuilding efforts,” he said.
Akume also reminded the participants that the relationship between the federal and state governments is highly interconnected. According to him, policies and programmes developed at the national level are ultimately implemented by states, making this forum essential for aligning national priorities with sub-national execution.
“This forum is not just a gathering; it’s a vital platform to harmonize strategies, address crosscutting challenges, and ensure our states align with the national development plan,” he noted.
He encouraged secretaries to use the opportunity to deepen collaborative frameworks and promote both vertical and horizontal integration in governance.
While commending the dedication of the participants, the SGF reiterated the call for excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement in public service delivery.
“Our people are watching and expecting results. We must be prepared to meet that expectation through our collective efforts and commitment,” Akume said.
He eaffirmed the administration’s readiness to work closely with all tiers of government to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akume thanked the secretaries for their service and expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the demands of contemporary governance.
In his speech, Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau state governor emphasized the critical role of both the SGF and SGSs describing the office as the chief advisory seat to both the government and the President.
The governor highlighted the expansive responsibilities of secretaries of governments noting that thousands of secretarial and administrative roles operate under the office, particularly in the public sector.
He said the weight and complexity of issues handled by the secretaries make the office one of the most vital in Nigeria’s governance structure.
To preserve this institutional memory, governor Mutfwang disclosed that his administration has made efforts to identify and include all past Secretaries to the Government, regardless of the political parties under which they served.
He noted that their experiences are invaluable for policy evaluation and sound decision-making, stressing that their contributions would guide the government in making better judgments across key areas of governance.
