By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to working closely with credible private sector partners in advancing sustainable development, climate resilience, and national prosperity.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, Senator Akume made this known while receiving an award from the African Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to fostering private sector collaboration with government in the implementation of climate change initiatives and infrastructure development across Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the SGF noted that the recognition reflects not only his personal contribution but also the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership to promoting green investment and sustainable growth.
“The award is a testament to the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, in providing an enabling policy and institutional environment for climate action to thrive,” Akume stated.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Bilateral Relations in the OSGF, Mr. Okokon Okon Etoabasi, the SGF explained that government has empowered key institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to implement adaptive and mitigative strategies that promote green growth and sustainable infrastructure.
He commended ABVIG for creating an inclusive platform through the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit (AICIS), which he described as a complementary effort to government’s drive toward mobilising private sector participation, technological innovation, and investment in sustainable development.
“The Federal Government welcomes all genuine private sector partners who share in our vision of a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous nation,” the SGF added, noting that collaborative efforts are essential to achieving Nigeria’s climate and infrastructure development goals.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABVIG, Hon. Moses Owharo, expressed appreciation to the SGF for his active participation and technical support toward the successful hosting of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change & Investment Summit 2025 (AICIS) held in Abuja. He emphasized that the partnership between government and private entities remains vital to accelerating progress in climate change mitigation and sustainable economic development.
Owharo also called for strengthened collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change, and other critical stakeholders in combating the impacts of climate change. He further acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Petroleum Resources, as well as other private sector organisations that contributed to the success of the 2025 Summit.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), Engr. Nadungu Gagare; the SGF’s representative, Mr. Okon Etoabasi; and other staff of the OSGF who played key roles in the success of the AICIS 2025.
Senator Akume reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains open to meaningful partnerships that will accelerate the implementation of climate change policies, foster innovation, and promote inclusive economic growth in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
