The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, on Tuesday charged members of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, accountability and transparency in the discharge of their duties.
Akume also urged the Board of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, to expand its programmes across more states, deploy technology more effectively and create wider opportunities for women and youths in agriculture.
He gave the charge in Abuja during the separate inauguration of the boards of both agencies, describing the ceremonies as important steps in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen governance institutions, advance sectoral reforms and promote inclusive national development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the NUPRC board, the SGF said the exercise marked a critical stage in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, which he noted was enacted to reposition Nigeria’s petroleum industry through clearer regulation, stronger institutions, accountability and global best practices.
According to him, the inauguration of the board reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s upstream petroleum resources are managed in a transparent and efficient manner and in the overall interest of the people.
Akume said the board, as the apex governance body of the commission, is expected to provide the strategic oversight, policy direction and institutional stability needed to boost investor confidence, optimise revenue generation and support sustainable development in the upstream petroleum sector.
He added that the appointment of the board members was a deliberate choice of persons with proven competence, integrity and professional experience, expressing confidence that their collective expertise would strengthen the commission and advance the objectives of the PIA.
“Your charge is clear. You are to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure accountability and transparency, and work constructively with management and stakeholders while maintaining regulatory independence,” Akume said.
He stressed that integrity, diligence and fidelity to the law must guide the decisions of the board, noting that public trust and national interest depend largely on their stewardship.
Also Read: NURPC reports fire outbreak at Akaso oil well
The SGF further said the inauguration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on strong institutions, rule of law and integrity in public service.
He added that effective regulation of the upstream petroleum sector remains vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, energy security and long-term fiscal stability.
At the inauguration of the NALDA board, Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, describing the authority as a key vehicle for poverty reduction, food security, job creation and rural development.
He said NALDA’s statutory mandate places it at the centre of efforts to drive agricultural land development and pointed to recent initiatives of the authority, including the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estates, which he described as modern, mechanised agricultural hubs with irrigation systems, processing facilities and clustered settlements for farmers.
The SGF also highlighted other programmes of the authority, including the Renewed Hope Restoration Project for persons of concern, the Green Hope Project focused on climate-smart greenhouse farming for all-year production, and the Aqua Hope Project aimed at strengthening aquaculture and improving productivity.
He said the initiatives were already delivering positive results in food production, employment generation and rural economic development, while supporting the administration’s broader agenda of economic diversification and inclusive growth.
“As we look ahead, NALDA is expected to scale up its programmes across more states, strengthen the use of technology, and expand opportunities for youth and women in agriculture,” he said.
Akume noted that the NALDA board has a critical role to play in providing strategic direction, effective oversight and support for management to sustain the gains already recorded and ensure the successful delivery of the authority’s mandate.
He urged members of both boards to approach their responsibilities with patriotism, duty and commitment to national development, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support.
The SGF also congratulated the chairmen and members of the two boards on their appointments and expressed optimism that their tenure would strengthen institutional performance and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development priorities.
Crediblenewsg.com
