Hadiza Bala Usman Reportedly Appointed As Nigeria’s First Female SGF.
In what would be a historic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly appointed Ahjia Hadiza Bala Usman as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), marking her as the first woman to hold this prestigious office. The announcement, which surfaced on social media platforms on 28 June 2025, has sparked widespread discussion, though the Presidency has yet to officially confirm the appointment.
According to posts circulating on X, President Tinubu, currently on a visit to Saint Lucia, selected Usman, a seasoned administrator and former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for the role. If confirmed, this appointment would see her replace the incumbent SGF, Senator George Akume, whose tenure has been marked by significant contributions to Nigeria’s governance framework.
However, the Presidency has issued statements refuting claims of Akume’s replacement, labelling the reports as “fake news” and clarifying that no new appointments have been made. A statement attributed to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, read: “There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently in Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointments. The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue. Agents of mischief fabricated it. The Presidency advises Nigerians to disregard the news.”
Despite these denials, the news of Usman’s potential appointment has generated significant excitement, particularly among advocates for gender equality in Nigerian politics. Hadiza Bala Usman, known for her transformative leadership at the NPA from 2016 to 2021, has a reputation for driving reforms and tackling corruption. Her tenure at the NPA saw the implementation of policies that enhanced transparency and efficiency in port operations. She also gained prominence for her book *Stepping on Toes*, which detailed her experiences navigating challenges in public service.
If confirmed, Usman’s appointment would be a landmark achievement, reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity and gender diversity in governance. Her role as Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination since 2023 has already positioned her as a key figure in Tinubu’s administration, and her elevation to SGF would further underscore her influence.[](https://kemifilani.ng/news/tinubu-has-not-removed-akume-as-sgf-presidency)
The SGF role is pivotal, serving as the coordinator of government policies and ensuring seamless collaboration between ministries, departments, and agencies. Usman’s experience in public administration and her track record of resilience make her a strong candidate for the position, should the reports prove accurate.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some hailing the move as a strategic step to bolster Tinubu’s administration and promote northern representation, while others remain cautious, awaiting official confirmation. One X user commented, “Strategic for better reasons,” reflecting optimism about the potential appointment.
As Nigerians await further clarity, the possibility of Hadiza Bala Usman becoming the first female SGF has sparked hope for a new era of leadership. The Presidency is expected to provide an official statement in the coming days to address the speculation and confirm the status of the SGF position.
For now, the nation watches closely, eager to see whether this historic milestone will be realised, further cementing President Tinubu’s legacy of bold and inclusive governance.
