Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation rallies reform leaders to tackle implementation gaps

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has rallied public sector reform leaders, stakeholders and alumni to address barriers to implementing reforms, and bridge gap between reform design and delivery.

The convening, themed “Unblocking Reform: From Design to Delivery”, held in Lagos was aimed at examining how institutional realities, stakeholder engagement, communication and collaboration shape the success of reform initiatives, according to a statement from the Foundation on Friday.

It noted that the convening is part of the Foundation’s broader effort to position its alumni network as a platform for peer learning, strategic dialogue and collaboration among public sector reform leaders, ultimately helping to ensure that reforms are not only well designed , but implemented in ways that translate into better outcomes for citizens.

Speaking at the event, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, emphasised that successful reform depends on understanding the institutional realities that shape implementation and building the support needed to sustain change.

“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”, Aig-Imoukhuede explained.

The programme featured a keynote by Olabode  Agoro, Lagos State Head of Service, a panel on “Advancing Reform: Building Buy-In and Coalitions,” and an in-conversation session with experienced reform leaders, all focused on stakeholder engagement, communicating change and sustaining reform over time.

Agoro highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying challenges that hinder reform implementation, noting that resistance may stem from gaps in skills, resources or understanding.

“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. 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,” Agoro added.

According to the statement,  participants also took part in an interactive Reform Reality Check and a Reform Solutions Lab, working in multidisciplinary groups to develop practical approaches to organisational support, stakeholder engagement and collaborative action, identifying actions they could adapt to their own institutions.