General News
Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Mobilises Reform Leaders to Tackle Public Sector Implementation Gaps
By Iyojo Ameh
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has convened public sector leaders and reform stakeholders to address challenges hindering the implementation of government reforms across Africa.
The foundation brought together public sector leaders, alumni and other stakeholders at its 2026 Public Sector Reform Convening in Lagos on October 14, with the theme, “Unblocking Reform: From Design to Delivery.”
The event focused on identifying practical strategies for translating well-designed policies into effective implementation and improved outcomes for citizens.
According to the foundation, an analysis of reform projects undertaken by members of its alumni network identified stakeholder engagement, communication, organisational culture and collaboration as critical factors influencing the success of public sector reforms.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said successful reform leadership required a clear understanding of institutional realities and deliberate efforts to secure the support needed to sustain change.
She cautioned against assuming that all resistance to reform was unreasonable or could be addressed through improved communication alone.
“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 the Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Shuageeb Agoro, alongside a panel discussion on “Advancing Reform: Building Buy-In and Coalitions” and an interactive session with experienced reform leaders.
Discussions centred on stakeholder engagement, effective communication of policy changes and strategies for sustaining reforms beyond their initial implementation.
Agoro stressed that reform leaders must identify and address the underlying factors responsible for implementation challenges, noting that resistance could arise from inadequate skills, limited resources or a lack of understanding of proposed changes.
He said repeatedly issuing instructions would not resolve capacity gaps, urging leaders to communicate the objectives of reforms, equip institutions with the necessary resources and capabilities, and maintain accountability throughout the implementation process.
“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,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of inclusive leadership, Agoro added that public servants were more likely to support reforms when they felt involved in the process.
“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 engaged in a Reform Reality Check and a Reform Solutions Lab, where multidisciplinary groups examined implementation challenges and developed practical approaches to strengthening organisational support, improving stakeholder engagement and promoting collaboration.
The sessions enabled participants to identify actionable solutions that could be adapted to the specific needs and circumstances of their respective institutions.
The convening forms part of the foundation’s broader efforts to strengthen its alumni network as a platform for peer learning, strategic dialogue and collaboration among public sector reform leaders across Africa.
Through the initiative, the foundation aims to support reform leaders in addressing institutional barriers, building stronger coalitions and ensuring that public sector reforms move beyond policy design to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
