Implement policies that will better lives of Nigerians – Buhari charges Ministers

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and heads of all government parastatals to implement policies that will better the livelihood of Nigerians.

The President gave the directive, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while closing a two-day retreat organised by the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, to assess the performance of government in the last one year.

“I am hereby charging Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and all heads of parastatals, to be continuously conscious of their commitment and responsibilities. On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I demand the uttermost level of performance, deliverables and results.

I look forward to a result orientated year with tremendous benefits that will continue to change the lives of our people positively,” he said.

President Buhari noted with satisfaction that the administration under his leadership has learnt lessons in the last one year, that will further enhance performance.

He, therefore, appealed for more collaboration and synergy among government agencies, so as to enhance development.

“I am confident that the lessons we have learnt in the last one year of implementation of policies, programmes and projects, deliberations and resolutions form the different sessions as well as experience sharing from various speakers, will serve as the needed tool to propel every ministry to the next level of achievement.

“More importantly, the trust reposed in us by Nigerians remain the ultimate driving force. We cannot afford to lose focus, regardless of the challenges. Our eyes must therefore remain fixed on the ultimate goal.

“More than ever before, I charge us to play as a team, because that is what we are, to this end, the days of insufficient collaboration, coordination and synergy among implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies should be over,” he said.

The Nigerian leader then directed the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation to reactivate its Central Delivery Coordination unit, to enhance performance.

He said: “In this regard, I have directed that the Central Delivery Coordination unit in the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation should be revived to ensure the much-needed synergy and focus on results. The Secretary to Government of the Federation is to ensure regular reports on progress are submitted.”

The office of the Secretary to Government had organised a similar retreat for Ministers before they were sworn-in, where they were given specific mandates for implementation.

The two-day event was declared open on Monday by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Buhari, who was away to the neighbouring Niger Republic, attending the 57th Summit of Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.