Unhealthy relationships between governing boards, CEOs worrisome – SGF

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has said that the observed poor and unhealthy relationships between governing boards and their chief executive officers of federal parastatals have become very worrisome and unacceptable.

Mustapha was speaking on the occasion of the induction of inaugurated CEOs, chairmen and members of the governing board of federal parastatals and commissions held at John Wood Hotels, Abuja, on Monday.

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Part of the programme was a workshop organized by Bureau of Public Service Reforms in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) to strengthen public institutions in Nigeria.

KAS is a a non-governmental political foundation, organization funded by the German Government.

He said, “The observed poor and unhealthy relationships existing between Governing Boards and their Chief Executive Officers have become very worrisome to government and are unacceptable. This could be avoided if Chairmen and Members of Governing Boards acquaint themselves with the instruments of establishment of their respective organisations, where the role and responsibilities of the Board are prescribed.

“It is pertinent to mention that, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has been directed to conduct an impact assessment on the Agencies whose Chairmen, Board Members and Chief Executives have been inducted.”

He added that the government has released referrals, authorities and other relevant Government Circulars  to guide the conduct of public officers.

Commending the foundation, the Minister of Budget and planning, Prince Ikem Ikanade Agba said KAS had partnered with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to organize capacity building for the Permanent Secretaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on “Implementing the National Development Plans”.

Speaking at the event, Marija Peran, KAS Resident Representative, said, “The mandate of BPSR is to initiate, coordinate and ensure full implementation of government reform policies and programmes. Its mission is to facilitate the building of Nigeria’s public service into a highly functional, professional, customer focused and results oriented institution.”

In his remarks, the DG Bureau of Public Service Reforms, D. I. Arabi, said that the induction could not have come at a better time than now, saying the overall objective was for governing board members to gain understanding of their roles, key responsibilities and the behaviour required of them in their respective organizations.