The government will appoint Hirohiko Fukushima, former mayor of Abiko, Chiba Prefecture, as secretary general of the Consumer Affairs Agency, Satoshi Arai, state minister for consumer affairs, said Friday.

While it remains undecided when the appointment will take effect, Arai told a news conference that Fukushima, 53, currently a professor at Chuogakuin University, will accomplish his duties "as he engaged in consumer administration as a mayor."

Fukushima's appointment is in line with the government's plan to appoint private citizens to key posts.