Tinubu Administration Flags Internal Power Struggles in Federal Agencies, Warns of Imminent Sanctions
The Federal Government has raised alarm over escalating internal conflicts and unhealthy rivalries within several ministries, departments, and agencies, warning that erring officials will face sanctions as part of efforts to restore effective governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered the warning during the opening session of a high-level induction programme held in Abuja for newly appointed chairmen, chief executive officers (CEOs), and board members of federal parastatals and agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Akume decried the ongoing bickering and turf wars between governing boards and executive leadership, describing them as a serious threat to policy implementation and public service delivery.
“Government is disturbed by the unhealthy relationships and power struggles in some agencies,” Akume stated, citing disregard for statutory responsibilities, interference in operational duties, and personal ambition as key drivers of institutional dysfunction.
He noted that many of the agencies suffer from role confusion, where board members overstep their oversight roles and interfere in day-to-day management. Such actions, he said, have led to workplace unrest, labour disputes, and breakdowns in organisational structure.
Federal agencies in Nigeria operate within clearly defined legal and administrative frameworks, including Acts of Establishment, Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations. These frameworks assign distinct roles to boards for oversight and policy direction, and to CEOs for operational leadership.
The SGF expressed dismay over recurring infractions such as board members issuing directives to staff without CEO approval, taking disciplinary actions without following due process, and claiming entitlements not legally assigned to them such as permanent use of government vehicles, unauthorized international travel, and improper accommodation claims.
In a move to enforce compliance and improve synergy, Akume revealed that the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) will carry out post-induction impact assessments to monitor governance standards and the level of collaboration between boards and executives.
“This induction is timely and significant. It is a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and result-oriented leadership,” Akume said.
“You must justify the trust reposed in you by the President and the Nigerian people. The Renewed Hope Agenda demands nothing less than transparency, patriotism, and discipline,” he added.
He also issued a stern warning: “Any delegate who exits this programme prematurely without official clearance will be sanctioned.”
Among the agencies represented at the induction were the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Nigeria Correctional Service, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company, and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
