PRESS RELEASE FG URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO LEVERAGE EITI VALIDATION TO DEEPEN EXTRACTIVE SECTOR REFORMS* The Federal Government through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the National Stakeholders' Working Group (NSWG), Senator George Akume, CON, has charged stakeholders in Nigeria's extractive sector to leverage the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation Exercise as a strategic opportunity to deepen transparency, strengthen accountability and entrench good governance for sustainable national development. The SGF gave the charge while declaring open the 3-day Joint Strategic Retreat with the theme: " Strengthening EITI Implementation from Extractive Sector Reporting to Impact" organised for the National Stakeholders' Working Group (NSWG) and the Senior Management Team of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) held on Monday, 27th July, 2027 in Abuja. Senator Akume commended the National Stakeholders' Working Group and the NEITI Secretariat for their foresight and commitment in convening the retreat, noting that their sustained efforts in advancing transparency, accountability and good governance in the nation's extractive sector have earned the appreciation of the Federal Government. “I commend the significant work already undertaken by NEITI, particularly in making the submission to EITI and the various on-going strategic engagements with stakeholders in preparation for the forthcoming visit of the EITI International Validation Team. These efforts demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to an inclusive, transparent and credible Validation process”. He stressed that success in EITI implementation should not be measured merely by the number of reports produced or the volume of information disclosed, but by the extent to which transparency strengthens public institutions, enhances investor confidence, restores public trust in resource governance and contributes to sustainable national development. The SGF observed that the 2023 EITI Standard places greater emphasis on systematic disclosures, beneficial ownership, contract transparency, state-owned enterprises, anti-corruption measures, environmental reporting, energy transition and meaningful stakeholder participation. According to him, these priorities align with the Renewed Hope Reform Agenda of the Federal Government, and Nigeria remains fully committed to their implementation. Senator Akume described the forthcoming Validation Exercise as an important platform for demonstrating Nigeria's progress in strengthening governance within the extractive sector, addressing previous corrective actions and institutionalising reforms that promote accountability and transparency. He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to providing the strategic leadership and coordination required to ensure the successful implementation of the EITI across relevant government institutions, emphasizing that the Validation process remains a critical mechanism for strengthening public confidence in the management of Nigeria's natural resources. The SGF also commended NEITI for the significant progress made in preparing for the Validation Exercise, particularly its submission to the EITI International Secretariat and the ongoing strategic engagements with stakeholders ahead of the visit of the EITI International Validation Team. He described the efforts as a demonstration of Nigeria's commitment to an inclusive, transparent and credible validation process. He urged members of the NSWG and the NEITI Secretariat to utilize the retreat to review achievements, strengthen collaboration, address outstanding priorities and develop practical strategies that would not only ensure a successful Validation outcome but also drive long-term governance reforms in the extractive sector.

PRESS RELEASE SGF TASKS ACPN TO COLLABORATE WITH NAFDAC TO CURB PROLIFERATION OF FAKE DRUGS The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, has called on the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to strengthen collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in tackling the proliferation of fake and substandard drugs across the country. The SGF made the call while receiving the leadership of the ACPN, led by its National Chairman Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh, on Thursday, 23rd July, 2026 in Abuja. Senator Akume commended the association for its commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, describing Community Pharmacists as critical stakeholders in safeguarding public health. He noted that the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria's healthcare system, stressing that the fight against fake drugs requires the collective efforts of government institutions, professional bodies, manufacturers and the public. "The menace of fake drugs continues to pose a serious danger to the health and well-being of Nigerians. You must join hands with NAFDAC in checking this menace because it is a responsibility that demands the support of all of us. While NAFDAC is doing a great deal, it also requires the active collaboration of professional bodies such as the ACPN," the SGF stated. Drawing from recent engagements with a Ugandan delegation, Senator Akume observed that Uganda has made significant progress in local pharmaceutical production and encouraged Nigerian Pharmacists to leverage collaboration and knowledge-sharing to strengthen domestic drug manufacturing. He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that healthcare delivery remains one of the administration's key priorities. He highlighted ongoing government efforts to establish more specialised medical facilities across the country while expanding admission opportunities for students studying medicine, pharmacy and other health-related disciplines to address the nation's healthcare manpower needs. He assured the association of the Federal Government's continued support for initiatives that promote quality healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical excellence and the protection of Nigerians from counterfeit medicines. Senator Akume described the ACPN's forthcoming conference as an important platform for professional engagement, innovation and policy dialogue that would contribute to strengthening pharmacy practice and improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. He encouraged guests to use the conference to generate practical recommendations that would advance the profession, enhance pharmaceutical care and support national efforts toward achieving universal health coverage. Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, said that the essence of the visit was to formally invite SGF as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of its forthcoming 2026 Annual International Scientific Conference. He said the conference is designed to provide a robust platform for policy dialogue, innovation and collaboration among key stakeholders in Nigeria's healthcare sector. According to Pharm. Ezeh, Pharmacists have evolved beyond their traditional role as medicine experts to become strategic partners in strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality medicines, advancing universal health coverage and contributing to national development.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE SGF TASKS CCT TO EMBRACE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN JUSTICE DISPENSATION The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has charged the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to embrace digital technology in the administration of justice to enhance case management, records administration and overall operational efficiency. The SGF gave the charge today 21st July, 2026 in Abuja while receiving the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, and members of the Tribunal's Management Team during a courtesy visit to his office. He urged the Tribunal to leverage digital technology in the administration of justice, noting that the Federal Government's drive to modernize public institutions through digital transformation, improved service delivery and enhanced inter-agency coordination has continued to gather momentum. "The Tribunal should continue to embrace technology to improve case management, records administration and overall operational efficiency in line with the Federal Government's digital transformation agenda," he said. Senator Akume commended the Tribunal for its steadfast commitment to promoting integrity, accountability and ethical standards in Nigeria's public service, describing its constitutional role in adjudicating breaches of the Code of Conduct for public officers as a vital pillar in the nation's anti-corruption architecture. According to him, the Tinubu-led administration places premium importance on institutional reforms, public sector efficiency, integrity and strict adherence to the rule of law, stressing that strong institutions such as the Code of Conduct Tribunal are indispensable to sustainable national development, economic growth and investor confidence. He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Administration to strengthening institutions that promote accountability, transparency, selfless leadership and responsible public service in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The SGF further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among key government institutions to achieve the objectives of integrity and accountability, assuring the Tribunal of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation's continued support within the limits of it's mandate. He encouraged the Tribunal to sustain engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance compliance with ethical standards and constitutional obligations while strengthening preventive measures through public enlightenment, training and awareness alongside effective enforcement mechanisms. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, said the essence of the visit was to abreast the SGF of his one year scorecard, saying the Tribunal has embarked on far-reaching reforms that have strengthened its institutional capacity and enhanced the delivery of justice in accordance with its constitutional mandate. As part of these reforms, he said the Tribunal undertook inspection visits to all its Zonal Offices across the country to assess their operational needs, evaluate their performance and implement measures to improve efficiency and service delivery. The visits also provided an opportunity to engage with personnel, identify challenges and ensure that the Tribunal's operations remain responsive and effective nationwide. The Chairman further stated that the Tribunal has strengthened collaboration with sister anti-corruption agencies and civil society organisations to harmonise their operations in the collective fight against corruption and in ensuring the effective dispensation of justice. According to him, the enhanced partnership has fostered greater institutional synergy and reinforced public confidence in Nigeria's anti-corruption framework.