FG CALLS FOR TECH-DRIVEN RISK MANAGEMENT TO BUILD NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
By: Prudence Okonna and Lawal Motunrayo
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said Tech-Driven Risk Management is the foundation for building Nigeria’s Economic resilience.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made this known on Wednesday, 29th April, at the 2026 National Risk Management Conference held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
The SGF, who was represented by the Director, General Services, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alh. Idris Ibrahim urged policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners to embrace technology-driven risk management strategies as a critical pathway to building a resilient Nigerian economy.
Akume emphasised that the convergence of technological innovation and effective risk management is vital for sustainable development, particularly in a time defined by rapid digital transformation, security challenges, climate uncertainties, and economic volatility.
He noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital governance platforms are reshaping economies, but also introducing risks that require proactive management through strong institutions, sound regulations, and strategic foresight.
The SGF called for deliberate investments in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and research to build a resilient and adaptive economy capable of withstanding future shocks.
Akume also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving fiscal discipline, ease of doing business, and innovation.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond theoretical discussions and generate practical, implementable solutions, while underscoring that ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability remain central to building strong and resilient institutions.
In his welcome address, the President of the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON), Dr. Abbas Garba Idris, stressed that risk management must be entrenched as a national culture across all sectors, warning that the absence of proper risk assessment often leads to failed projects, economic losses, and avoidable disasters.
He noted that in an increasingly uncertain global environment shaped by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War, countries must adopt proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to risk in order to remain resilient.
Idris further highlighted the critical role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in modern risk management, emphasising that economies that fail to embrace innovation risk being left behind.
The pioneer Director General FCT Emergency Management Agency, called for the institutionalisation of a risk management directorate within government and private sector operations, including the integration of risk assessment into policymaking, budgeting, and project implementation.
According to him, growing collaboration between the public and private sectors is already strengthening risk management frameworks and awareness across industries.
He also underscored the importance of everyday risk awareness, urging professionals and citizens alike to adopt a culture of continuous assessment in their activities.
He maintained that “assessment is key,” noting that preparedness, environmental awareness, and strategic foresight are essential to preventing losses and ensuring sustainable development.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Sustainable Technological Innovations and Risk Management for Resilient Economies,” the keynote speaker, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, noted that sustainable technological innovation and effective risk management are critical in achieving this balance, as innovation drives growth while risk management ensures stability and preparedness.
Oyedele further emphasised the need to strengthen technological infrastructure and invest in human capacity development to enhance economic resilience, warning that inadequate investment could result in inefficiencies and setbacks.
He also called for stronger public-private collaboration in advancing inclusive and socially responsive innovations, noting that integrating sustainable technology with sound risk management practices delivers far-reaching benefits for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
The highlight of the first day of the event is the unveiling of the 2026 edition of the Risk Management Digest, a publication of RIMSON and the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals, including the SGF.
Abuja Digest reports that the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria is an umbrella body for risk managers across different sectors, especially emergency responders like staff of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD)who participated in the Conference.
