By Lateef Ibrahim
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has officially inaugurated the governing boards of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), charging them to become pillars of integrity and drivers of national development.
In two separate ceremonies held on Tuesday in Abuja, the SGF emphasized that these appointments are central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes institutional strength, food security, and economic stability.
NUPRC: Elevating the Petroleum Sector
At the inauguration of the NUPRC Board, Akume described the move as a landmark step in the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He noted that the board’s primary role is to provide the strategic oversight necessary to boost investor confidence and optimize revenue.
He reminded the board of its key mandates which include: upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring total accountability and transparency in managing upstream resources , and maintaining regulatory independence while working constructively with industry stakeholders as well adhering to global best practices to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
“Your charge is clear. Integrity, diligence, and fidelity to the law must guide all your decisions”, Akume told the members.
In response, the Chairman of the NUPRC Board, Senator Magnus Abe, expressed gratitude to the President and pledged that the board would work seamlessly with management to deliver on the PIA’s objectives.
Turning to the agricultural sector, the SGF tasked the NALDA Board with transforming Nigeria’s farming landscape.
He highlighted NALDA’s role as a critical vehicle for poverty eradication and job creation.
The SGF’s directives for NALDA include: scaling up, expanding flagship programs like the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estates across more states, strengthening the use of modern agricultural technology and mechanization.
Others include: creating more opportunities specifically for youth and women in the agricultural value chain, and advancing “Green Hope” projects focused on climate-smart greenhouse farming.
Senator Akume concluded by urging both boards to approach their duties with patriotism.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government would provide continuous support to ensure the boards succeed in their respective mandates of energy security and agricultural transformation.
The Chairman of the NALDA Board, Senator Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya, noted that the appointment was a “profound call to service,” committing the board to translating policies into tangible outcomes for Nigerian citizens.
The inauguration marks a significant shift toward more structured governance in two of Nigeria’s most vital economic sectors.
