George Akume is one of Nigeria’s most experienced and enduring political statesmen.
A former two-term Governor of Benue State, a three-term Senator, a Federal Minister, and currently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), one of the most powerful administrative positions in the Nigerian federal system, Akume has navigated the complex and often turbulent landscape of Nigerian politics with remarkable longevity and consistency.
His career spans more than four decades of public service, from the Benue State civil service to the commanding heights of federal government administration.
A man of deep faith, strong community roots, and demonstrated administrative capability, George Akume stands as one of the defining political figures of Benue State and the North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Profile
| Full Name | George Akume |
| Born | December 27, 1953 |
| Age | 72 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Benue State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Politician, Former Governor, Former Senator, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Spouse | Regina Akume (Federal Lawmaker) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million – $15 million |
Early Life
George Akume was born on December 27, 1953, in Wannune, a town in the Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, a local government area named in honor of the famous minority rights crusader and political icon, the late Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka. Akume grew up in a humble yet disciplined environment in Wannune, where values of hard work, community loyalty, and public service were deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the community.
His upbringing in the Tiv-dominated North-Central region of Nigeria gave him a deep appreciation of the particular challenges and aspirations of minority ethnic groups within Nigeria’s complex federal structure, an understanding that would later inform much of his political advocacy and career priorities. From an early age, he demonstrated academic promise and a keen interest in public affairs.
Education
George Akume had his primary school education at the then-Native Authority (N.A.) Primary School, Wannune, from 1960 to 1966. He completed his secondary education at the Government Secondary School, Otobi (now Model Science School, Otukpo), from 1967 to 1971. In 1972, he attended St. Louis College for his Advanced Level studies before enrolling at the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1978.
Akume later returned to the University of Ibadan for postgraduate studies, earning a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR) from the same institution in 1986. He further enhanced his administrative credentials by attending the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), from which he graduated with a Certificate in Management in 1988. This combination of sociology, labour relations, and management training gave him a well-rounded academic foundation for his subsequent career in public administration and politics.
Career
George Akume began his professional career in the Benue State Civil Service, where he served in several administrative capacities and rose through the ranks to the position of Permanent Secretary, one of the highest positions in the state civil service. This early experience in public administration gave him a deep familiarity with the machinery of government that would prove invaluable throughout his political career.
His formal political career began with his election as Governor of Benue State in 1999 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the same year Nigeria transitioned from military to democratic rule. He served two consecutive four-year terms as governor from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, he initiated significant developmental projects including road construction, school rebuilding, hospital development, and the establishment of Benue State University, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s notable tertiary institutions. His administration was also marked by a focus on peace and stability in a state that has historically experienced intercommunal tensions.
After completing his governorship, Akume transitioned to the National Assembly, winning election to represent Benue North-West Senatorial District in 2007 under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He was re-elected in 2011, defeating his PDP opponent by a significant margin (261,726 votes to 143,354), and again in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. He served three consecutive terms in the Senate, where he held key positions including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and Chairman of the Defence and National Security Committee, roles that gave him significant influence over Nigeria’s security architecture.
In July 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Akume as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until May 2023 when Buhari’s administration ended. On June 2, 2023, newly inaugurated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), arguably the most powerful administrative position in Nigeria below the President and Vice President, responsible for coordinating ministries, agencies, government meetings, national policy execution, and the operational machinery of the entire federal government.
Awards & Nominations
- Established Benue State University during his governorship
- Recognized for developmental contributions to Benue State
- Three consecutive terms as Senator representing Benue North-West
- Appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Tinubu, 2023
Social Media
George Akume maintains a social media presence reflective of his senior government role. He is accessible on Twitter/X and Facebook, where official updates on his activities as SGF and his political engagements are shared with the public.
Personal Life
George Akume is married to Regina Akume, who has herself pursued an active role in public life as a Federal Lawmaker in Nigeria. Together they have children who remain largely out of the public spotlight in keeping with Akume’s preference for maintaining a distinction between his professional and personal lives. He is a devout Christian whose faith is a central pillar of his personal identity and public conduct. Akume is firmly rooted in the Tiv cultural and religious traditions of Benue State and has been recognized with various community honors. He has visited numerous countries internationally including the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Cuba in the course of his political and diplomatic activities.
Net Worth
George Akume’s estimated net worth is between $5 million and $15 million, reflecting his decades of public service, multiple senior government appointments, and associated business interests. His financial resources reflect a long and successful political career spanning governorship, the National Assembly, federal ministerial office, and now the SGF position.
FAQs
Who is George Akume?
He is a Nigerian politician, former two-term Governor of Benue State, former three-term Senator, former Minister, and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
What is George Akume’s current role?
He serves as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) of Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023.
Where is George Akume from?
He is from Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria.
Conclusion
George Akume’s four-decade political journey stands as testimony to the rewards of discipline, consistency, and dedication to public service. From a young civil servant in Benue State to the SGF of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his story is one of steady, purposeful ascent through the ranks of Nigerian governance. As one of the most senior figures in President Tinubu’s administration, Akume now operates at the very engine room of Nigerian governance, a fitting culmination of a lifetime devoted to public service in one of Africa’s most complex and consequential democracies.