Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Shagari Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja (2026)

24/08/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

Tinubu tasks LG chairmen on inclusive governance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged local government chairmen across the country to uphold fairness, equity and inclusiveness in appointments, administration and distribution of resources.

Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in Abuja in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON), at a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission for local government chairmen.

The workshop, themed, “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” focused on strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character principle at the grassroots.

The President said Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest assets.

“Our multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs forms a vibrant national tapestry that must be carefully managed through fairness, justice, and inclusiveness,” he said.

Tinubu noted that the principle of Federal Character, as enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, provided an institutional and moral framework for reflecting the diversity of Nigerians in government.

“This constitutional provision underscores the necessity of reflecting the diversity of our people in the composition and conduct of government at all levels, particularly at the state and local government tiers,” he said.

He added that the principle was fundamental to promoting a sense of belonging and loyalty among Nigerians, which he said was critical to the stability, unity and progress of the country.

The President said local government councils occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s governance architecture, being the closest tier of government to the people.

“As the closest tier of government to the people, they serve as the primary interface between citizens and the state. The actions and decisions taken at this level have immediate and tangible impacts on the daily lives of our people,” Tinubu said.

He urged the council chairmen to ensure that governance at the grassroots was inclusive, representative and equitable.

“You, as Local Government Chairmen, carry the immense responsibility of ensuring that governance is inclusive, representative, and equitable. You must embody the principles of fairness in appointments, transparency in administration, and balance in the distribution of opportunities and resources,” the president said.

Tinubu said such an approach would strengthen public confidence in government and reinforce national unity.

He commended the Federal Character Commission for recognising the third tier of government as a vital component in the realisation of Federal Character principles.

The President, however, warned that laws and institutions alone could not achieve the desired outcomes without visionary leadership, ethical conduct and deliberate commitment.

“You must rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion,” he told the chairmen.

Tinubu further linked inclusive governance to national development, saying representation and fairness could strengthen social cohesion and create an environment conducive to economic growth and innovation.

“When every segment of society feels represented and valued, social cohesion is strengthened, conflicts are minimised, and the environment becomes conducive for economic growth and innovation,” he said.

He described the workshop as “not merely an administrative exercise,” but an opportunity for local government chairmen to deepen their understanding of Federal Character principles and develop practical strategies for embedding them in local governance.

The President urged the participants to engage actively in the workshop and commit themselves to the ideals being promoted.

“The future of our democracy depends significantly on the strength, fairness, and inclusiveness of our local institutions,” he said.

Tinubu formally declared the workshop open and commended the Federal Character Commission for its “unwavering dedication to promoting national integration.”

Signed:

Yomi Odunuga,

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to Government of the Federation

24-08-2026

19/08/2026

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

PRESS RELEASE

FG COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING BUILDING MATERIALS HUBS ACROSS GEOPOLITICAL ZONES

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones as part of measures to boost local production, reduce construction costs and expand access to affordable housing.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, stated this on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Abuja, while declaring open the 56th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), held under the theme: “Repositioning the Building Profession: Advocacy and Policy Influence on Housing Delivery for a Sustainable Built Environment.”

Senator Akume said the development of the hubs was designed to strengthen domestic supply chains, support local manufacturing and make building materials more accessible and affordable to Nigerians. He urged professional builders to contribute their technical expertise, research capacity and industry networks to the conceptualisation and implementation of policies and programmes aimed at transforming the housing sector.
“Government is pursuing the development of Bulding
Materials Manufacturing Hubs across the geopolitical
zones precisely to support local production and reduce
construction costs and your role is to bring the technical
knowledge, research capacity and industry networks to
the table by contribution to policies, and programs from
conceptualisation to delivery”, he said.

According to the SGF, the Federal Government’s initiative aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to expanding access to affordable, safe, durable and sustainable housing.

He noted that housing goes beyond physical structures, stressing that it encompasses safety, dignity, family stability, wealth creation and improved quality of life. He therefore charged the Nigerian Institute of Builders to uphold professionalism and ensure that competence, ethics and public trust remain the foundation of the building profession.

The SGF warned against poor supervision, substandard materials, construction shortcuts, corruption and the engagement of unqualified personnel, noting that such practices could undermine the quality of buildings and put lives and investments at risk. He urged the NIOB to intensify public awareness on the dangers of quackery and insist that certified builders should not lend their names or professional seals to projects they did not supervise.

Senator Akume, however, acknowledged the challenge of affordability in the housing sector, observing that rising construction costs were putting home ownership beyond the reach of many families. He called for stronger collaboration among professionals in the built environment and the adoption of measures such as better design-to-cost, increased use of local materials, bulk procurement, reduction of waste, modern construction methods, transparent bills of quantities and stronger domestic supply chains.

The SGF further called on Nigerian builders to take advantage of the massive infrastructure development being undertaken by the Federal Government, noting that more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads are currently under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation. He cited major projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road and the East-West Road as part of the administration’s infrastructure development drive.

He challenged builders not to remain spectators to the scale of ongoing national development, but to organise professional consortia, establish auditable quality-management systems, train and certify artisans, and compete for opportunities in housing, transportation infrastructure, public facilities and local-content projects.

The SGF also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making construction and housing development a national priority, irrespective of political considerations, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on delivering tangible benefits to all Nigerians.

He recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a Nigeria that is “secure, prosperous, inclusive, and respected worldwide,” and challenged professionals in the building sector to contribute meaningfully to achieving that vision. Senator Akume urged the NIOB to make the Renewed Hope Agenda tangible through a commitment to “one ethical professional, one safe site, one durable structure, and one affordable roof at a time.”

He congratulated the Nigerian Institute of Builders on the 56th Conference and Annual General Meeting and declared the conference open, expressing confidence that its deliberations would produce practical strategies for improving housing delivery, professional standards and the sustainability of Nigeria’s built environment.

Signed:
Chris Ugbuegbulam
Head, Information & Public Relations
19-08-2026.

19/08/2026

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES POLITICAL ACTORS TO SHUN DIVISIVE, PRIMORDIAL SENTIMENTS AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS
..Signs peace accord
..Says campaigns must strengthen, not tear Nigeria’s social fabric

• Commits APC to peaceful, transparent elections, rejects violence, hate speech, misinformation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all political parties, candidates and other signatories to the peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections to exercise restraint and refrain from exploiting ethnic, religious and other primordial sentiments in the pursuit of political power.

The President made the call on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026, in Abuja at the signing of the Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON.

President Tinubu said political disagreements and competing visions were legitimate features of democracy, but warned that campaigns must never be allowed to undermine national cohesion or threaten the bonds holding Nigerians together.

“In the spirit of the accord we have just signed, we must conduct ourselves in ways that strengthen, not tear, the fabric of our society. It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents and advocate competing governing visions for our country. We may exchange occasional political jabs. But as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power,” the President said.

He urged political actors to make the forthcoming campaigns a contest of ideas, policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of Nigerians and advancing the country’s development.

“Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people and accelerate Nigeria’s journey from a developing nation to a first-world country,” he stated.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the principles and obligations of the Peace Accord, stressing that the ruling party would conduct its campaign in a manner that promotes peace and national stability.

“As the campaign season kicks off, I commit myself and my party, the All Progressives Congress, to the tenets of this accord,” he said.

The President declared that the APC rejects violence, hate speech, misinformation and every form of incitement, including the misuse of emerging technologies and social media to manipulate public opinion or inflame tensions.

“Our party rejects violence, hate speech, the spread of misinformation, including through artificial intelligence, and all forms of incitement, especially via social media. We are committed to peaceful, transparent elections that will strengthen political stability, social harmony, economic progress, and our nation's prosperity. I encourage other political parties and political actors to do the same,” he said.

President Tinubu reminded candidates and their supporters that elections should never be treated as a do-or-die contest, noting that political actors, irrespective of party affiliation, remain partners in the collective task of building the nation.

“Let us remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair. We are partners in the project of nation-building. Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he added.

The President commended the National Peace Committee (NPC), particularly former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; the Sultan of Sokoto; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for convening the event and for their sustained contribution to peaceful elections in Nigeria.

He noted that since 2014, the National Peace Committee has remained steadfast in promoting peace accords through which political parties and candidates commit themselves to non-violent and issue-based campaigns during national and off-cycle elections.

President Tinubu observed that since Nigeria's return to democratic governance in 1999 under the stewardship of General Abdulsalami Abubakar and his team, election periods had often generated anxiety because of the intense competition for political power.

He, however, noted that despite the tension and disagreements that sometimes accompany political contests, Nigeria had made significant progress in the transparency and management of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the President, the deployment of technology by INEC has brought remarkable improvements to the electoral process, particularly through the introduction of the Permanent Voter's Card and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

He said the innovations had helped to curb voting manipulation, ballot stuffing and ballot snatching at polling units, while strengthening the confidence of citizens that their votes would count.

The President added that the improvements had made politicians more accountable to the electorate and demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to conduct themselves with maturity and restraint during elections.

He cited the three off-season governorship elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States between October 2025 and August 15, 2026, noting that different political parties emerged victorious in the elections, which local and international observers described as free, credible and transparent.

President Tinubu further observed that transparent electoral processes and outcomes had contributed to reducing post-election litigation, stressing that confidence in the integrity of elections remains crucial to the consolidation of Nigeria's democracy.

He described the signing of the Peace Accord as a solemn commitment by political leaders to place the nation's interest above personal and partisan ambitions and ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

The President called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, development partners and the media to support efforts to deepen democracy and build a stronger and more vibrant democratic society.

He stressed that democracy goes beyond periodic elections and the emergence of political office holders, noting that it also encompasses citizens' participation in national affairs, confidence in public institutions, civic engagement, good governance, justice and equity.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that adherence to the Peace Accord by political parties, candidates and their supporters would contribute significantly to peaceful campaigns and credible elections in 2027, while strengthening political stability, social harmony and economic progress in the country.

Signed:

Yomi Odunuga,

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

18-08-2026.

14/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FG INAUGURATES NEW BOARD OF NATIONAL SALARIES, INCOMES AND WAGES COMMISSION, CHARGES MEMBERS ON FAIR WAGES AND PRODUCTIVITY

The Federal Government has inaugurated the new Board of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, (NSIWC) with a charge to provide strategic leadership that ensures fair remuneration, improved productivity, and industrial harmony in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, 14th August, 2025 in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation described the event as significant, coming at a critical period in Nigeria’s economic transformation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He noted that the Tinubu’s administration is implementing far-reaching reforms to restore economic stability, strengthen productivity, improve workers’ welfare, and lay the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“The role of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is particularly strategic at this time. The Commission is entrusted with responsibilities relating to salary structures, productivity, job evaluation and compensation matters that have direct implications for workers’ remuneration, productivity, industrial harmony and the sustainability of government finances,” he said.

The SGF stated that the challenge before the new Board is to maintain an appropriate balance between fair and decent remuneration, improved productivity, affordability, and the broader economic realities of the nation.

He highlighted that the appointment comes at a crucial time following the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage framework, which has raised expectations among workers while placing greater responsibilities on Government and employers.

He urged the Board to ensure its recommendations are evidence-based, transparent, timely, equitable and fiscally responsible, and underpinned by robust research and reliable data on wages, productivity, purchasing power and economic growth.

“The Commission must promote a remuneration system that recognises skills, responsibility, innovation, and productivity while encouraging efficiency and accountability. Strengthening digital and data capabilities and positioning the Commission as a centre of excellence in compensation and productivity is crucial,” he added.

The SGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting institutions that advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that NSIWC has an important role in ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translate into improved livelihoods and a more stable industrial environment.

President Tinubu appointed nine other members to the commission alongside the new Board Chairman, Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.)
Former member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, was appointed Secretary of the Commission.

Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun and Yakubu Umar Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna states respectively, were appointed commissioners.

Others appointed as members are Dr. Mai Adamu Yau from Borno State; Ginika Florence Tor from Enugu State; Engineer Lawrence Okoh from Edo State; and Bello Moronke Iyabode from Kogi State.
Akume congratulated the chairman and members of the board and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing “visionary, responsible and results-oriented leadership.”

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the new Board, Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.), expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in them through their appointment.

He assured that the Board is committed to constructive engagement and will work harmoniously with Organised Labour.

Major General Bindawa acknowledged the weight of responsibilities entrusted to the Board, which include overseeing salaries, wages, incomes and productivity — key areas that affect workers’ welfare and the delivery of quality public service.

Signed:
Chris Ugwuegbulam
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
14th August, 2026.

11/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

SGF HAILS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION AND SECURITY

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his outstanding achievements in transforming key sectors of the Nigerian economy in less than four years in office.

Senator Akume gave the commendation on Monday, 11th August, 2026 in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Tinubu National Frontiers (TNF) led by its National Coordinator, Hajiya Yasmin Binta Sabeh, on a courtesy visit to his office.

Highlighting the administration’s tangible progress, the SGF said Nigeria is witnessing unprecedented transformation in road infrastructure, bridges, and dams.

“President Tinubu has made significant strides in revitalizing our infrastructure. The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road are developmental projects that will yield high economic and tourism potential. The transformation of Abuja is also clear evidence of Mr. President’s performance. Anyone familiar with the Federal Capital Territory before May 29, 2023, would be struck by the scale of infrastructural change achieved within one presidential term,” he stated.

On education, Senator Akume noted that reforms under the administration have expanded access through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He said the initiative, a novel intervention, has drawn interest from over six African countries seeking to understudy the programme.

“Access to higher education is no longer determined by circumstances of birth. This administration has placed emphasis on technical and scientific education, with plans to upgrade polytechnics in each geopolitical zone to begin offering degree-equivalent qualifications, with added focus on skills acquisition,” he added.

The SGF further commended the President for efforts to address insecurity, citing the establishment of four additional divisions in the Nigerian Army, the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 policemen, and the prioritization of the welfare of military personnel.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of TNF, Hajiya Yasmin Binta Sabeh, acknowledged President Tinubu’s transformative leadership.

“Since the President assumed office, we have seen remarkable achievements. It is now easy for us to sleep with our two eyes closed. As the TNF family, we do not take this for granted and we are ready to work with you,” she said.

She reaffirmed the group’s unity and pledged to work assiduously with the Presidential Campaign Team for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

In his remarks, the Oyo State Coordinator of TNF, Mr. Braimoh Adebayo, said the group played a critical role in securing victory for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 Presidential Election.

“President Tinubu is a progressive leader. As Tinubu National Frontiers, we pledge our full commitment to his re-election as President of Nigeria,” he stated.

The highlight of the visit was the decoration of the SGF as the *National Patron of the Tinubu National Frontiers Support Group.

Signed
Chris Ugwuegbulam
Head, Information & Public Relations.
11th August, 2026

09/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

TINUBU TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS: RAISE YOUR VOICES AGAINST TERRORISM, KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to consistently raise their voices against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence and cruelty, stressing that no genuine service to God can be advanced through the destruction of innocent human life.

The President also urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen their advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral formation of young people, while using their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.

President Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.

Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, distinguished scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President said religious leaders have an important responsibility in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.

“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty. Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.

“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence. Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” the President said.

President Tinubu observed that the gathering was taking place at a consequential moment in human history, with societies across the world confronted by conflicts, uncertainty, climate shocks, food and energy shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and increasingly dangerous manipulation of identity and religion.

Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, the President noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, stressing that the scale of global challenges makes the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly indispensable.

According to him, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their capacity to heal wounds, resolve grievances and dissolve deep-seated hatred and bitterness.

The President said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, possesses relationships and moral capital that could be deployed for reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian solidarity across the Sahel, West Africa and the wider world.

He said the Federal Government recognises the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based division, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence.

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, noting that the country's strategic location at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic world makes its peace and stability consequential to the wider region.

“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” he said.

The President explained that such partnership should mobilise the ethical resources of religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and the sanctity of human life, for the common good.

He described Nigeria's extraordinary diversity and plurality as among the country's greatest strengths, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to uphold the freedom of Nigerians to practise their faith while strengthening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.

President Tinubu also welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud, describing Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition has established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.

He recalled recently receiving a high-level delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House, Abuja, where prayers were offered for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria as well as the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.

The President said the Maulud offered adherents an opportunity for reflection, renewal and recommitment to the teachings of Islam, the love of Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, particularly the virtues of humility, mercy, wisdom, service and giving comfort to others.

President Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud, describing him as one of the towering figures whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.

He recalled describing the late Islamic scholar, following his death in November 2025, as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”

According to the President, the most enduring monument that could be built in honour of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi would be the preservation of his legacy of Qur'anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Government and people of Kano State, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the event.

“Nigeria is honoured by your presence and we pray that you return to your homes safely, carrying with you the affection and hospitality of the Nigerian people. May Almighty Allah accept the prayers and acts of devotion offered at this Maulud,” the President said.

Signed:

Yomi Odunuga,

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

09-08-2026

Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

24/08/2026

19/08/2026

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