The Federal Government has vowed to tackle inefficiencies and slow paste of policy implementation in the country through the new Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework.

Speaking at the Validation Session of the Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, organized by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, disclosed that over the years, one of the challenges of policy management in Nigeria has been the “lack of coherence and consistency across ministries, departments, and agencies.”

He also lamented that “duplication, and misalignment have often resulted in inefficiencies, slowing down the implementation of critical interventions that should otherwise accelerate national progress.”

Akume, however said, the Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework is a “bold step toward addressing these challenges. It offers a systematic approach to policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation—one that is informed by international best practices, yet deeply rooted in the Nigerian context.”

The SGF explained that a robust policy framework must not only define priorities but also provide clear implementation pathways, adding “This is what distinguishes a well-governed nation from one where policies exist only in name. That is why today’s session is crucial—it is an opportunity to refine this framework into an instrument that will endure, ensuring that public policy is driven by data, aligned with national goals, and responsive to the dynamic needs of our people.”

Akume said the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was committed to ensuring that national policies are not only well-conceived but also effectively harmonized and implemented, saying “This validation session is a testament to that commitment—an opportunity to reinforce structures that promote efficiency, accountability, and results-driven governance.”

In her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the document is the result of extensive collaboration between her office, Office of the SGF, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (FCDO-PACE), and the National Economic Summit Group (NESG).

She said the present administration remains unwavering in its commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks and positioning public policy as a driving force for national development. Recognising that sound policymaking is central to good governance.

According to her, “this administration is actively addressing long-standing gaps within the policy ecosystem—including policy inconsistency, inadequate clarity around formulation and implementation processes, and the absence of unified standards across government institutions.

“The Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework is a timely and strategic response to these challenges. It provides much-needed clarity, structure, and coherence, enabling policies to be developed with intent, implemented with discipline, and evaluated for real impact.

“Therefore, the development and validation of this framework represents a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to institutionalize effective governance processes and ensure that public policies translate into real, measurable benefits for the Nigerian people.

“This validation session is a concrete step towards institutionalising a governance culture that is adaptive, coordinated, and ultimately transformative. It affirms the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s understanding that achieving sustainable national development requires not only bold ideas but also the frameworks to translate those ideas into action.

“The National Policy Development and Management Framework offers a comprehensive and standardized framework that aims to improve the quality, consistency, and coordination of policymaking across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. It is designed to guide public institutions in formulating policies that are not only technically sound, but also inclusive, strategic, and results-oriented.”

She further said the Framework was driven by a clear and pressing need, adding that a review of Nigeria’s existing policy landscape revealed significant gaps—inconsistencies in policy structure, policy overlaps, limited coordination, and challenges in implementation and monitoring.

“These challenges often undermine the effectiveness of otherwise well-intentioned policies and hinder the achievement of national goals. This framework, is therefore, our collective response: a tool designed to address these gaps, clarify roles and processes, and for a more coherent, streamlined, and effective approach to policymaking.

“As we gather to validate this document, I encourage us all to view it not as a mere compilation of procedures or technical standards, but as a bold step toward transforming the way we govern. This Framework represents a shared aspiration—to build a system where public policies are credible, inclusive, and outcomes-driven. It offers a clear pathway to achieving greater synergy across institutions, reducing duplication of efforts, and fostering accountability in the delivery of government programmes and services.”