The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim-Arabi, has urged members of the Governing Board and Management of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to work within their statutory responsibilities and promote accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking at the opening of the induction programme for the Chairman, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Board members and Senior Management of the Commission in Abuja, Ibrahim-Arabi said the training was organised to strengthen accountability, promote good governance and build leadership across public institutions.
He said the programme, which is the 12th induction organised by the Bureau since 2018, was part of BPSR’s mandate to strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery across the public service.
According to him, the training is designed to equip participants with a better understanding of governance frameworks, public financial management, procurement procedures, performance accountability, ethics and the Public Service Rules.
The BPSR Director General said the induction would also help participants understand the boundaries between the responsibilities of governing boards and management, strengthen oversight functions and promote transparency in the administration of the Commission.
He said the programme would expose participants to key areas, including governance structures, statutory mandates, financial regulations, procurement principles, ethical conduct, performance monitoring and collaboration between boards and management.
Ibrahim-Arabi urged participants to take advantage of the sessions and apply the lessons in carrying out the Commission’s mandate.
Delivering the keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, asked members of the SSDC Governing Board to avoid interfering in the day to day administration of the Commission.
He said while governing boards are responsible for policy direction and oversight, the day to day running of parastatals and commissions remains the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, who also serves as the Accounting Officer.
The SGF said government had observed disagreements between governing boards and chief executives in some federal agencies, leading to interference in administrative functions and disregard for existing regulations.
He urged members of the Board to familiarise themselves with the Commission’s establishing Act, the Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, the Guide to Administrative Procedures in the Public Service, the Public Procurement Act and the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Akume also called on the Board and Management of the Commission to maintain a cordial working relationship and carry out their responsibilities in line with existing laws and regulations.
He later declared the induction programme open.
Aliyu Umar, FNIR
Head, Strategic Communication
5th August, 2026.
