WorldStage– The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume has said that the Federal Government is committed to leveraging sustainable technological innovation and proactive risk management to build a resilient economy.
Akume said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 National Risk Management Conference and Awards, organised by the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON).
The conference has the theme: “Sustainable Technological Innovations and Risk Management for Resilient Economies.”
RIMSON is an independent non-profit body comprising members involved in a diverse range of risk management disciplines.
The SGF, who was represented by Mr Idris Ibrahim, the Director, General Services, Office of the SGF, said that Nigeria and Africa must move beyond reactive approaches to governance in an era defined by rapid technological disruptions.
“These realities demand that nations and institutions embrace proactive, data-driven, and future-oriented systems.
“From Artificial Intelligence and blockchain to fintech and predictive analytics, innovation is redefining how societies function. Yet, every innovation carries inherent risks that must be anticipated,” Akume said.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope agenda, was implementing reforms to strengthen fiscal discipline, expand digital public infrastructure, and enhance institutional efficiencies.
According to him, economic resilience cannot be built on policy declarations alone but must be anchored on competence, leadership, and responsible risk governance.
Highlighting the importance of integrity, Akume said: “No amount of technology can substitute for honesty, accountability, and the courage to act in the public interest.”
Earlier, the President of RIMSON, Dr Abbas Idriss, said the conference served as a critical platform for deliberating on how Nigeria could thrive amidst global tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Idriss noted that since his administration took office in 2025, the society had focused on its “SIR” vision: Spread, Impact, and Recognition.
He listed the society’s achievements to include strategic partnerships with NAN, the Federal Fire Service and various academic institutions.
“Risk management is no longer a luxury but a necessity for nations to remain resilient in the face of multidimensional evolving challenges.
“Our goal is to see risk management becoming a national culture, integrated into our economic planning, budgeting, and security frameworks,” he said.
The RIMSON president also commended the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, for her contributions to the 2026 edition of the Risk Management Digest.
Mr Ifeoluwa Oyedele, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the keynote speaker, called for urgent upgrades to Nigeria’s infrastructure and sustained investment in human capacity development to match the pace of emerging technologies.
Oyedele warned that insufficient investment in both areas could create inefficiencies that slow national progress.
He stressed the need for stronger private-public collaboration in technological innovation, noting that this could foster social cohesion and inclusion.
He said sustainable technological innovation and structured risk management processes carry significant value across individual, business, and societal levels, but required careful planning to minimise errors.
According to him, while innovation drives growth and efficiency, risk management provides the stability and preparedness needed for long-term prosperity.
Together, he said, they form a balanced approach to development centred on sustainability and adaptability.
