In a renewed drive to strengthen institutional leadership and ensure that public service delivery reflects measurable outcomes, the Federal Government has inaugurated the 13th Cohort of the Mandatory Training Programme (MTP) for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Agencies and Parastatals.
The initiative, which is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the administration’s commitment to redefining public service leadership through integrity, strategic stewardship, and performance-based accountability.
The ceremony, held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo-Badagry, was formally declared open by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, FNIM, CON, who was represented by Professor Simon Akaayar.
Leadership as a Sacred Trust
In his opening address, Senator Akume emphasized that leadership within the public service is a sacred trust anchored on transparency, professionalism, and efficiency. He noted that genuine leadership is measured not by position or title, but by tangible, sustainable impact on citizens’ lives.
“Leadership in the public service is not defined by position, but by tangible impact,” he stated. “Chief Executives must ensure that their institutional objectives are rigorously aligned with national priorities, operating with the core values of transparency, professionalism, and efficiency.”
The SGF charged agency heads to adopt evidence-based management approaches, ensuring that government programmes translate into real results that advance the nation’s socio-economic development.
HCSF Charges CEOs to Lead Boldly
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, described the programme as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s public service transformation strategy. Speaking on the theme “Lead Boldly: Reform. Deliver. Renew,” she explained that the training encapsulates the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).
According to her, CEOs of government agencies occupy a critical tier in the governance ecosystem and must therefore act as vanguards of institutional reform and public trust.
“Our Service must transition decisively from activity reporting to impact reporting,” she declared. “We must embed results-based management and performance accountability frameworks within our institutions to ensure that government programmes truly make a difference.”
The HCSF also highlighted the government’s ongoing capability-building frameworks, including the ONCE-K System, the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD-P), and the Federal Civil Service Online Academy—all designed to nurture a competent, ethical, and digitally driven public workforce.
She commended the SGF for his presence and support, noting that it reflects the Presidency’s sustained commitment to cohesive governance and institutional synergy.
Commitment to Leadership Renewal
In her welcome address, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, explained that the MTP is meticulously designed to equip newly appointed CEOs with the essential tools and insights needed for effective mandate delivery. The programme, she said, provides a deep understanding of the operational dynamics of government as guided by the Constitution, Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations—all framed within the FCSSIP-25 reform agenda.
The Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, also described the MTP as a flagship intervention for leadership renewal. She noted that the curriculum would include intensive modules on Strategic Leadership, Public Financial Management, Ethics, Digital Transformation, and Performance Management—areas crucial for sustaining institutional efficiency and innovation.
Stakeholders Commend Federal Government
Delivering a goodwill message, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, lauded the Federal Government’s continued investment in leadership development. He commended ASCON’s role as a beacon of excellence and a vital pillar within the Badagry community.
Similarly, Mr. Bode Agodi, Head of Service, Lagos State, stressed the importance of continuous learning for public sector leaders, especially in an evolving socio-economic environment. He urged the CEOs to embody integrity, excellence, and accountability in all aspects of service delivery, describing these as the true hallmarks of sustainable governance.
Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Mandatory Training Programme represents a strategic step in the Federal Government’s broader vision to embed performance-driven leadership across public institutions. By focusing on measurable outcomes rather than activities, the initiative aims to align government agencies with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s pillars of economic transformation, human capital development, and institutional integrity.
As the 13th Cohort embarks on this transformative learning journey, the government reaffirms its resolve to build a new generation of leaders capable of translating policy into progress, ensuring that governance delivers tangible impact for all Nigerians.
