FG launches leadership development programme for heads of federal agencies

The Federal Government has inaugurated the 13th edition of the Mandatory Training Programme (MTP) for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Agencies and Parastatals, aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and promoting integrity-driven governance.

The initiative, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, focuses on cultivating strategic leadership, ethical stewardship, and measurable, citizen-centred service outcomes.

Declaring the programme open at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo-Badagry, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume — represented by Professor Simon Akaayar — described leadership in public service as a “sacred trust” anchored on national progress and accountability.

“Leadership in the public service is not about holding a position, but about making tangible impact,” Akume said, urging agency heads to align their institutional goals with national development priorities while upholding transparency, professionalism, and efficiency.

In her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, highlighted the programme’s theme, “Lead Boldly: Reform. Deliver. Renew,” as reflecting the core pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).

She charged CEOs to serve as champions of reform and public trust, stressing that effective leadership is critical to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda. Walson-Jack also emphasized the shift from “activity reporting” to “impact reporting,” calling for strong results-based management and performance accountability systems across institutions.

According to the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, the HCSF commended the SGF’s presence, describing it as a testament to the Presidency’s commitment to cohesive and effective governance. She also detailed the government’s ONCE-K System, which includes initiatives such as the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD-P) and the Federal Civil Service Online Academy, aimed at building a professional, ethical, and digitally proficient workforce.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, lauded the Federal Government for prioritising leadership development and commended ASCON for its pivotal role in promoting excellence in public service.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, explained that the training is tailored to equip new CEOs with the tools and knowledge required for effective mandate delivery. The curriculum, she said, provides practical insights into governance operations, guided by the Constitution, Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations, all within the context of the ongoing FCSSIP-25 reforms.

The Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, described the MTP as a flagship leadership renewal initiative covering key areas such as Strategic Leadership, Public Financial Management, Ethics, Digital Transformation, and Performance Management.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agodi, emphasized the need for continuous learning among leaders navigating Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic landscape. He noted that Chief Executives must embody excellence, integrity, and accountability in service delivery.

The Mandatory Training Programme remains a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s leadership development strategy—designed to empower public sector leaders to drive national priorities and deliver impactful, people-oriented governance.