FG mulls tougher sanctions for non-compliance with policy implementation
The Federal Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing policy structures to ensure improved adherence to implementation, with stricter sanctions for non-compliance.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated that moving forward, the Federal Government would reinforce its mechanisms for coordination, accountability, and overall impact.
Speaking at a gathering of stakeholders, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and private sector representatives to review a Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Akume urged participants to adopt a renewed sense of patriotism. He described the initiative as a crucial step towards institutionalising a structured and efficient policymaking process.
Stakeholders at the event attributed past failures of government policies to poor implementation rather than the absence of well-conceived strategies.
Akume, therefore, called for improved methods to monitor policy execution going forward.
“This gathering is not just another meeting in the history of policy discussions, but a pivotal moment in our collective quest for a more structured, efficient, and responsive governance system,” he stated.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that policies serve as a driving force for national development. “A well-defined, structured, and inclusive approach to policy management is essential to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
One of Nigeria’s longstanding challenges in policy management, he pointed out, has been the lack of coherence and consistency across MDAs, which has led to inefficiencies and delays in implementation.
The new framework seeks to address these shortcomings by providing clear guidelines for policy formulation, assigning institutional responsibilities, and establishing mechanisms to track progress and impact.
“This Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework is a decisive step towards resolving these challenges. It introduces a systematic approach to policy design, implementation, and evaluation—one that aligns with international best practices while remaining deeply rooted in Nigeria’s unique context,” Akume stated.
He stressed that policymaking should not be an abstract exercise but a practical instrument for governance. “A well-structured policy framework ensures that government interventions are streamlined, resources are utilised efficiently, and national priorities remain central to decision-making,” he said.
The validation session, a collaborative effort between the Office of the SGF, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), aims to refine a framework that will guide the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of policies across government institutions.
Also speaking at the event, Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, underscored the significance of structured policymaking in national development.
She pointed out the key deficiencies the new framework seeks to resolve, including policy inconsistencies, lack of clarity in formulation and execution, and the absence of unified standards across government institutions.
“The Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework provides essential clarity, organisation, and consistency, ensuring that policies are created with purpose, implemented with precision, and assessed for tangible impact,” Bala Usman stated.
She described the validation session as a landmark in embedding a governance culture that is adaptable, coordinated, and transformative. “Achieving long-term national development requires not only bold ideas but also the frameworks necessary to turn those ideas into reality,” she concluded.
