Former Secretary to the Government (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has signed and presented official documents to his successor, George Akume, at the SGF office in Abuja on Wednesday.
This handover occurred shortly after President Bola Tinubu sworn-in Akume.
Speaking during the handover, Mustapha gave insight on the task before Akume.
He said, “It provides a guide on the activities of the Office and highlights pending matters requiring the attention of the in-coming Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“The major arms of OSGF are listed hereunder: General Services Office (GSO); Cabinet Affairs Office (CAO); Political & Economic Affairs Office (PEAO); Special Services Office (SSO); andEcological Projects Office (EPO).
“The OSGF also has the following statutory Units:- Legal Unit; Internal Audit Unit;Press and Information Unit; Central Delivery and Coordinating Unit; and Resident Federal Auditor.
“The staff strength of the Office stands at about 1,628 civil servants and it may interest you to note that this Office also takes care of Political Office holders including Mr. President and the Vice President.
“The main functions of OSGF are to: Coordinate policy design and formulation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies for approval by Government.
“Serve as the Secretariat to the Council of State, the Federal Executive Council, Security Council and other Constitutional Councils which are chaired by the President;
“Coordinate the activities of Ministries and Government Agencies as well as monitor the implementation of Government decisions, policies and programmes;
“Serve as the Chief Adviser to Mr. President and the Vice President on policy issues.
“Provide administrative support services for Administrative Tribunals, Commissions and Panels of Enquiry;
“Coordinate public safety matters;
“Handle issues related to the following:
“Affairs of Formers Heads of State and Presidents/Protocol Matters.
“Processing of communication and documentation and conveying the directive of the President.
“The Agencies within the purview of the OSGF are 16. However, the Office administratively interfaces with the 14 Constitutional Bodies.
“Undoubtedly, the office is a challenging one, especially as it is saddled with the responsibility of being the Secretariat to the President and, by extension, advising the Government on broad policy matters across the nation’s political, social and economic milieu.
“However, it is worthy of note that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is supported in the discharge of the duties of the office by a dedicated crop of staff led by their respective Permanent Secretaries, as well as the Heads of Departments, Units and their supporting Staff. Indeed, the staff of OSGF are hardworking, committed and very supportive.
“I have no doubt that they will extend the same degree of cooperation to you as I wish you God’s guidance and best of luck in the discharge of your duties as the 20th Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
