SCGN launches Centre for Public Sector Governance to drive sector reforms

The Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria (SCGN) has formally launched the Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG), a key initiative to address the public’s most pressing governance challenges

The Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG) was formally launched on Abuja to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of public resources, with a focus on strengthening governance practices across Nigeria.

Senior Nigerian advocate, legal writer and governance consultant, Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), outlined the key obstacles facing public institutions, including complex policy reforms, technology integration and maintaining effective governance structures. *)He stressed that the Centre will play a vital role in addressing these challenges by promoting ethical practices and increasing transparency in public sector operations.

“Our public institutions face a myriad of challenges, from navigating a complex policy environment and reforms to balancing different interests and, of course, “We even integrate technology, risk management and all the corporate governance principles that we know into what happens in public institutions,” he explained. 

Public Governance

Ajogwu highlighted the critical role that public institutions, particularly state-owned enterprises, play in nation building. He described these companies as key to unlocking Nigeria’s wealth, provided they are managed effectively.

“These institutions have the potential to unlock the nation’s wealth, but only if they are managed well,” he said.

He stressed that the nation’s primary mission is to promote development, equality and justice by creating a level playing field, a means by which citizens can thrive.

Ajogwu outlined the mission of the CPSG, which is to strengthen government structures, build capacity to improve service delivery, and strengthen public accountability.

“The Centre will promote best practices and improve governance within public sector institutions to restore trust and improve service delivery,” he explained.

Mission Focus:

Building Capacity to Deliver Better Services

• Promoting Public Accountability and Transparency
• Improve public financial management
• Ensure accountability in the management of collective resources
• Ajogwu stressed that the Centre’s approach will be collaborative. The CPSG recognises that governance is a shared responsibility and seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

The CPSG seeks to promote cross-sectoral and cross-national partnerships to improve governance in the public sector. Key stakeholders involved include public institutions and state-owned enterprises, private operators, civil society organisations and international organisations.

Her remarks

Professor Olaokpo stressed the importance of public ethos as the foundation for effective public service and emphasised its role in transforming the public sector into a profession and not just a career.

“It is an administrative virtue that requires that public service be understood as a spiritual calling to be committed to and advocate for the public, the community of citizens who benefit from the consistent implementation of government policies. What makes public service a calling and not a profession is that it has instrumental connotations as it serves the selfish desires of human beings”

Senator George Akume,

(SGF), reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting collaboration and introducing best practices in governance. He stressed that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for reform and innovation. Secretary to the Government of the Federation“We warmly welcome the CPSG. As you know, this has been implemented in various legitimate ways, including through policies, laws, executive orders, institutional reforms, leadership selection, performance measurement, and more,” he said.