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Tag: Sen. George Akume

  • SGF urges pension leadership to scale up micro pension plan

    SGF urges pension leadership to scale up micro pension plan

    The Secretary to the government of the federation, Sen. George Akume has urged the Pension Industry Leadership Council (PILC) to expand its coverage by scaling up the Micro Pension Plan, designing incentives such as digital platforms, mobile payment integration, and tax reliefs to attract artisans, traders, and SMEs.Akume, who  gave this charge at the inaugural PILC meeting in Abuja, stated that by this inclusiveness millions of Nigerians outside the formal wage system would be brought into retirement security, promoting equity, inclusion, and social stability.

    He added that this will boost contributors confidence knowing that their savings are secure, well-managed and growing because trust in the system directly translates to higher compliance and wider participation. He urged that the PILC must lead the charge in mobilising pension assets for national development by strengthening the framework for safe, transparent investment of pension funds into infrastructure bonds, housing finance, renewable energy and SMEs.

    “This can be advanced through partnership with the CBN, Ministry of Finance, infrastructure concession bodies and the Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority. Contributors’ savings would serve the dual purposes of securing retirement and catalyzing economic growth. Citizens should feel direct benefits in jobs, roads, power, and housing funded by their pooled resources. The Council should modernise the industry by enhancing Service delivery through digital transformation.

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    “This requires developing a Pension Industry Digital Innovation Agenda through promoting unified databases, biometric verification, and mobile-based RSA access to reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and speed up retirement benefit processing. This way, the contributors will experience faster service, fewer errors, and reduced corruption while the industry will be delivering tangible value and strengthening trust in government institutions.

    “The Council must drive Policy Advocacy and Cross-Sector Collaboration by positioning itself as the strategic think-tank for a long-term. Sustainability, feeding evidence-based advice into national economic planning, labour policy, and fiscal management are all inclusive. The Council should also partner with labour unions, civil society, and academia for shared insights,” Akume said.

    He noted that doing this will influence  broader public policy, while pension matters will be integrated into Nigeria’s human security and development agenda. Workers perception of pension will also change from being a retirement issue, to being part of a wider social protection ecosystem. The government remains committed to building a strong Pensions Industry and the mission of this Council.

    Pensions, he said, remains recognised not only as an instrument for social protection but also as the cornerstone of inclusive economic growth. The government remains deeply committed to ensuring that workers’ savings are not only secure and prudently managed but also harnessed to accelerate our nation’s progress. For this reason, the Government will continue to provide the enabling environment, strong policy backing, and the political will to ensure that the pension industry thrives as both a guarantor of retirement security and a catalyst for national development.

    The Director General National Pension Commission, PenCom and Chairman PILC, Ms. Omolola  Oloworaran said pensions are not just an industry concern, they are a pillar of social protection, an instrument of inclusion, and a driver of sustainable economic growth. They embody the promise that hard work in youth will be rewarded with dignity in retirement, while charging the council to approach the task with courage by expanding coverage to informal sector workers.

  • Benue at 49: Political parties endorse SGF Akume as state’s political leader

    Benue at 49: Political parties endorse SGF Akume as state’s political leader

    Thirteen political parties in Benue State have endorsed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and former governor, Sen. George Akume, as the state’s political leader.

    The endorsement was announced at a meeting of the parties on February 3, 2025, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of Benue State’s creation.

    In a statement, the coalition of parties praised Akume’s leadership and contributions to the development of Benue and Nigeria.

    The resolution was endorsed by representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji; Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Comrade Simon O. Ogbe; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ogli Joseph Inalegwu; National Rescue Movement (NRM), Hon. Tor Aondofa Paul; BOOT Party, Emmanuel Nyianshima; and Action Peoples Party (APP), Dr. Salifu Samuel.

    Others are Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Pedro John Eyo; African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Orbunde Celestine; Action Alliance (AA), Benedict U. Ejembi; Young Progressives Party (YPP), Hon. Confidence Onuah; Accord Party (AP), Bishop Benson Ijachi; People’s Redemption Party (PRP), George Ogbogo; and All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Austin Agada.

    They highlighted his political experience as a two-term governor, three-term senator, opposition leader, Minister, and now SGF, describing his appointment as a major milestone for the State and the North Central region.

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    The parties condemned what they termed politically motivated attempts to undermine Akume’s integrity, alleging that certain individuals and groups were working against his influence.

    They called on the alleged sponsors of such efforts to reveal themselves, insisting that the people of Benue deserve to know who is acting against their interests.

    “We align with the position of opposition leader and former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom, who has acknowledged Senator George Akume as the undisputed political leader of Benue State and North Central Nigeria.

    “We strongly condemn the activities of groups and individuals attempting to undermine the integrity of the SGF, His Excellency Senator Dr. George Akume. These politically motivated attempts are misguided and bound to fail.

    “We are fully aware that these elements operate under the sponsorship of powerful figures hiding in the shadows. We call on these sponsors to step forward and reveal themselves, so the public can identify those working against the interests of the State,” the coalition stressed.

    The coalition urged citizens to recognise the strategic benefits of Akume’s position as SGF, emphasising that it presents vast empowerment opportunities for North Central Nigeria.

    They called on state governments in the region to collaborate with him to enhance governance and drive regional development.

    Expressing concern over political tensions in Benue, the parties strongly criticised alleged restrictions on political gatherings and disruptions of thanksgiving services involving public office holders.

    They claimed these actions were being carried out by local government chairmen and state appointees under the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    The coalition described such restrictions as undemocratic and a violation of fundamental rights, calling for an immediate end to the practice.

  • Akume to new ministers: Shun sectional, personal interests 

    Akume to new ministers: Shun sectional, personal interests 

     Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has tasked the newly appointed ministers to uphold national interest and shun personal and sectional interests.

    Akume gave the charge at the opening of a 2-day induction retreat organised by his office for the appointees on Thursday in Abuja.

    He advised the ministers that they were entrusted with the mandate of driving President Bola Tinubu administration’s agenda on good governance.

    “As ministers in your respective ministries, the president has entrusted you with the mandate of driving the administration’s renewed hope agenda for development, stability, and growth in your sector.

    “This induction retreat is designed to equip you with the insights, tools, and guidance necessary for effective performance in your new roles.

    “You are therefore, expected to shun personal, ethnic and sectional interests and uphold our national interests.

    “As ministers, your duties include upholding national cohesion and to promote peace for national unity and development,” he told them.

    The retreat, Akume explained further, was a platform for knowledge-sharing, strategic planning and alignment with the Federal Government’s priorities and aspirations.

    “The primary purpose of this retreat is to foster a deep understanding of the operational principles, challenges, and expectations that define your responsibilities as ministers.

    “In addition, you will gain insight into the President’s vision for Nigeria and the role each of you will play in achieving that vision “, he said.

    The SGF said Tinubu government, with the renewed hope agenda, was aimed to tackle poverty, enhance security, drive economic diversification, and improve critical infrastructure among others.

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    To achieve these goals, Akume said, ministers were expected to work as a cohesive and dedicated team.

    Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination said the retreat was designed as an intensive programme, structured to provide the ministers with critical knowledge.

    She said the exercise would equip them with the foundational understanding necessary to assume their duties effectively.

    “This retreat is an opportunity for honourable ministers to gain not only theoretical insights but also practical strategies that you can apply immediately.

    “By the end of the two days, each of ministers should be well-equipped to understand your ministerial roles and align with the goals of Tinubu’s administration.

    “It will also enable you to navigate the regulatory frameworks around finance and procurement processes confidently, promote a culture of integrity within your ministry by upholding the highest standards of ethics and accountability,” she explained.

    Mr Boss Mustapha, former SGF while sharing his experience with the ministers, said they are political heads of the ministries with responsibilities to counsel the president on policy implementation for the benefit of Nigerians.

    Dr Nentawe Yilwada, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and poverty Reduction, pledged his commitment to tackle ministry’s challenges in area of poverty among vulnerable groups.

    He promised to give priority attention to out-of-school children by collaborating with the ministry of education to address such challenges among poor parents and guardians.

    “My ministry will collaborate with education to ensure that we reduce to some extent, the number of out-of-school children within a shortest possible time.

    “We have to empower not only the kids but also their parents so that parents would also be financially capable to meet the needs of their kids,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat had as its theme:  ‘Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda’.

    (NAN)