By GGabriel Ameh
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has brought together public sector leaders, alumni and reform stakeholders in Lagos to address the challenges preventing government reforms from moving from policy design to effective implementation.
The 2026 Public Sector Reform Convening, held on October 14, was themed “Unblocking Reform: From Design to Delivery.” It examined the institutional and practical barriers that often prevent well-designed government policies from producing the intended results.
An analysis of alumni projects presented at the convening identified stakeholder engagement, communication, organisational culture and collaboration as key factors influencing the successful implementation of public sector reforms.
Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s Executive Vice Chair, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said effective reform leadership requires an understanding of institutional realities and the concerns of people affected by proposed changes.
“This is not to suggest that every objection to reform is unreasonable or that resistance can simply be overcome through better communication. Rather, effective reform leadership requires an understanding of institutional contexts, a willingness to listen to those affected and a deliberate effort to build the support necessary for implementation,” she said.
The programme featured a keynote address by Olabode Shuageeb Agoro, Lagos State Head of Service, alongside a panel session titled “Advancing Reform: Building Buy-In and Coalitions” and an in-conversation session.
Agoro emphasised that successful reform requires more than issuing directives, noting that public institutions must address capacity gaps, communicate the purpose of changes and provide the resources needed to implement them.
“A capacity gap cannot be resolved by repeating an instruction. Leaders must communicate the purpose of reforms, align institutions around their objectives, provide the resources and capabilities required for implementation, and ensure that accountability continues long after implementation.
“People always feel better if they are carried along. Nobody wants to feel that they don’t matter. So it is always important to engage at all levels,” he said.
Participants also took part in a Reform Reality Check and a Reform Solutions Lab, working in multidisciplinary groups to develop practical approaches to strengthening stakeholder support, engagement and collaboration during reform implementation.
The sessions provided participants with opportunities to examine real-world challenges and consider ways to build stronger coalitions for change across public institutions.
The Foundation said its alumni network is intended to serve as a platform for peer learning, dialogue and collaboration, connecting public sector reform leaders and practitioners across Africa.
Founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation that supports government reform through financing, strategic advisory services, capacity building and collaboration.
The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that government reforms go beyond well-designed policies to achieve effective implementation and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
Source Credit: Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.
