A two-day capacity building programme for aides of Federal Government Ministers has ended in Abuja, with participants reaffirming their commitment to improved governance delivery. The training, organised by German political leadership foundation Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), brought together members of the Ministerial Aides Network (MANET) from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The sessions aimed to enhance coordination, strengthen professionalism, and deepen inter-agency collaboration.
Ministerial Aides Network (MANET), led by Special Adviser on Strategy to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Faniyi Fatogun, was established to improve synergy across government institutions. In a statement issued by Chairman, Media and Publicity, Mr. Tunde Moshood, the platform emphasised that the initiative will boost public service effectiveness. It added that the programme’s structure was designed to equip aides with practical tools for modern governance.
The two-day capacity building sessions commenced on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at Aso Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, drawing participants from various federal ministries. The aides were divided into two batches to allow focused engagement and hands-on learning throughout the exercise. Facilitators delivered intensive modules covering the fundamentals of policy development, reporting systems, and strategic communication.
In his opening address, Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, represented by Director of International Co-operation Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sampson Ebimaro, underscored the importance of continuous learning. He stated that Ministerial Aides are key to administrative efficiency and inter-ministerial coordination. He stressed that improved competence from KAS directly supports policy formulation and national development.
Speaking on behalf of Resident Representative, Dr. Tobias Ruettershoff, KAS Programme Manager, Mr. Samson Adeniran, welcomed participants and highlighted the foundation’s commitment to democratic governance. He said the programme aligns with KAS’ mission of strengthening public sector leadership in Nigeria. He added that investing in aides will enhance institutional effectiveness and promote better service delivery.
Co-ordinating Chairman of MANET, Mr. Fatogun, commended KAS for its consistent partnership in institutional capacity building. He noted that empowering Ministerial Aides will help advance the current administration’s goals through improved collaboration. He explained that the programme reinforces the network’s mission of deploying professional competence for national progress.
Participants received wide-ranging exposure to topics including public policy documents, budgeting procedures, and government reporting frameworks. The sessions also addressed analytical skills, leadership development, and mechanisms for effective policy implementation. Facilitators encouraged attendees to strengthen collaboration across MDAs as a pathway to improved governance outcomes.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung reaffirmed its commitment to promoting leadership excellence and institutional strengthening globally. The organisation noted that the Abuja programme reflects its long-standing support for governance reforms in Nigeria. It also emphasised that sustainable development requires continuous investment in human capacity.
At the end of the training, participants pledged to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their respective ministries. They also resolved to build stronger ties within the MANET network to reinforce national development efforts. The organisers said follow-up sessions will be considered to sustain momentum and ensure long-term impact.
