SGF Akume: FG's Economic Blueprint Targets Opportunity Expansion

Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), declared on Saturday that the federal government is strategically working to cultivate an economy that generates opportunities, fortifies institutions, enhances infrastructure, improves social welfare, and restores public confidence in governance. Akume made this assertion during the 2026 Permanent Secretaries’ Retreat, which took place in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, highlighting that these objectives form the core of the government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The SGF emphasized that these ambitious goals cannot be realized solely through budgetary allocations. Instead, their achievement is contingent upon disciplined implementation, prudent financial management, and a procurement system that ensures optimal value for money. He maintained that the true measure of governmental success lies not only in the quality of its policies but also in the tangible outcomes those policies deliver to citizens.

Akume articulated the expected results clearly: “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.”

Addressing the permanent secretaries, Akume reminded them of their critical role as accounting officers for their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He stressed that they are expected to provide the institutional leadership necessary to transform government policies into practical, impactful outcomes.

He further explained that their leadership directly influences the quality of procurement planning, the promptness of project execution, the integrity of contract administration, and the effectiveness of financial oversight. This, he noted, imposes a responsibility that extends beyond mere administrative compliance, demanding strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and an unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability. Every procurement decision, Akume insisted, should bolster public trust and demonstrate responsible stewardship of public resources.

The SGF described the retreat's theme, “Strengthening Procurement Leadership and Accountability for Effective Budget Execution and National Development,” as both timely and compelling. He stated that it directly addresses one of the most vital responsibilities entrusted to public institutions: ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity, efficiency, and measurable impact.

Akume posited that a key priority for the federal government is to enhance budget implementation. While significant progress has been achieved in refining budget preparation and aligning public expenditure with national priorities, he stressed that the ultimate measure of success lies in ensuring that approved budgets are executed efficiently, and that projects are completed on schedule, within cost, and to the required quality standards.

Experience, he noted, has often shown that delays in procurement planning, inadequate project preparation, fragmented institutional coordination, and insufficient contract management can undermine even the most meticulously prepared budgets. Addressing these challenges, Akume asserted, requires strong leadership, discipline, and collaborative efforts across the public service, as no Ministry, Department, or Agency can operate in isolation. He concluded by pointing out that the complexity of today's national development agenda demands closer cooperation among institutions, particularly as infrastructure projects frequently necessitate the coordinated efforts of multiple MDAs.