River basin appointees storm SGF’s office over delayed appointment letters
Frustration and tension are escalating as members of the management teams of Nigeria’s 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) continue to besiege the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja, demanding their long-awaited appointment letters.
The officials, who were appointed on December 18, 2024, have now spent over ten weeks waiting to formally assume their roles.
Initially, many of them traveled individually to Abuja, made inquiries, and left empty-handed.
However, in recent weeks, their approach has become more coordinated, with groups gathering before heading to the SGF’s office en masse.
“The excuses have run out. At first, we were told there were minor inaccuracies that needed to be corrected. Then, specific dates were given for the release of the letters—but those deadlines came and went. Now, it feels like something else is at play”, said a source familiar with the matter.
The prolonged delay has forced many appointees to remain in Abuja, incurring substantial personal expenses on hotel bills.
With no official explanation forthcoming, frustration has turned into apprehension, leading the appointees to escalate their efforts.
A source within the SGF’s office questioned the rationale behind withholding the letters.
“It is hard to understand why the SGF’s office has failed to give the appointment letters to the members of the 12 River Basin Authority Boards, especially as this action is definitely sabotaging the results the Tinubu administration expects from the River Basins”, the source said.
Beyond the personal inconvenience to the appointees, industry experts warn that the delay is crippling the operational capacity of the River Basin Authorities.
A senior official familiar with the situation highlighted the gravity of the problem.
“These people are not just ordinary board members—they are the management teams, including the Managing Directors of the River Basin Development Authorities.
“Without them in place, the day-to-day running of these agencies is significantly hampered”, he said.
The River Basin Development Authorities play a crucial role in Nigeria’s food security strategy, providing support for farmers through research, infrastructure development, and market linkages.
Their work is especially vital for dry-season farming, as they oversee large areas of arable land and small-scale dams across the country.
“Apart from ensuring sustainable water access for agriculture, the River Basins can help stabilize Nigeria’s food supply, attract investment, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic stability,” the source added.
With mounting pressure and no clear communication from the SGF’s office, uncertainty looms over the fate of the appointees and the efficiency of the River Basin Authorities.
Observers are now questioning whether the Tinubu administration will intervene to resolve the impasse before it further disrupts agricultural and economic progress. (The Nation)
