Emmanuel lkpeama
The Forum of NGOs and CSOs for Sustainable Public Service has expressed deep concern over the continued non-inauguration of Federal Government Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals appointed over a year ago.
In a release signed by Comrade Abdullahi Shiro Convener Forum of NGOs and CSOs for Sustainable Public Service said that despite the appointments taking “immediate effect”, many institutions remain functionally handicapped,as this inaction has crippled institutions in critical sectors, including youth development, aviation, power, education, health, and science and technology.
He noted that the delay has created a gap between presidential intent and operational reality, undermining accountability, delaying reforms, and weakening service delivery.
“This situation has created a widening gap between presidential intent and operational reality. The appointments cut across over forty-six strategic institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), NIMASA, ITF, river basin authorities, research councils, as well as numerous Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals nationwide.”
“Despite the official announcement that all appointments take immediate effect, the lack of formal inauguration ceremonies, instruments of office, and take-off briefings has stalled board-level governance. ”
“As a result, Chairmen and Members are unable to convene meetings, approve policies, exercise oversight, or provide strategic direction. This vacuum undermines accountability, delays reforms, and weakens service delivery to Nigerians.”
“For institutions already burdened by funding constraints, industrial disputes, decaying infrastructure, and declining public trust, the delay further compounds existing challenges. The contrast between this situation and the handling of ambassadorial appointments is striking.”the statement reads.
Comrade Shiro went further to note the contrast with ambassadorial appointments, which were swiftly processed, and demands equal urgency for domestic governance structures.
“Following sustained public criticism, diplomatic pressures, and concerns over Nigeria’s thinning representation abroad, the Presidency swiftly released a list of ambassadorial nominees who were promptly screened by the Senate of the National Assembly in Abuja.”
“This urgency reflected an acknowledgment that Nigeria’s diplomatic interests could not endure prolonged institutional silence.”
“Unfortunately, the same level of urgency has not been extended to domestic governance structures, even though their impact on the daily lives of Nigerians is more immediate and profound.”
“Board appointments are not ceremonial gestures or political rewards; they are essential constitutional and administrative mechanisms for policy direction, institutional checks, and strategic oversight.”
“Leaving boards uninaugurated effectively concentrates authority within management structures, weakens transparency, and defeats the purpose of board governance.”
“In sectors such as health and education, where many of the affected boards oversee Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals, the delays translate directly into stalled approvals, weakened supervision, and slower responses to urgent operational needs.”he stated
The Forum went further to call on the Federal Government to urgently inaugurate the appointed Chairmen, Board Members, and Chief Executives, and issue formal instruments of office to enable these institutions to resume full governance operations.
“Effective leadership does not end with appointments; it begins with empowering appointees to act,” says Comrade Abdullahi Shiro.
He emphasizes that Nigeria cannot afford to run vital public institutions on administrative autopilot.
