Nigeria is in the midst of an economic crisis, largely attributed to the unfavorable economic policies of the APC-led government that has governed Nigeria for over eight years.
One of the primary reasons cited for the current state of the economy is Nigeria’s ballooning debt, exemplified by a fiscal crisis.
To address this challenge, the Tinubu administration has responded to calls for the government to tackle the high cost of governance by streamlining its extensive array of governmental agencies.
Thus, the Nigerian government turned its focus to the findings of the Oronsaye Report.
This seminal document, officially known as the report of the Presidential Committee on Rationalization and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions, and Agencies, was commissioned to identify ways to reduce governmental expenditure and improve efficiency across its operations.
At its core, the report advocates for the merger and consolidation of several governmental bodies to eliminate redundancies and foster a more streamlined, cost-effective government structure.
Adding a layer of practical insight to the conversation, Joe Abah, a well-respected figure in the realm of governance and public administration, delved deeper into the report’s implications.
In his piece titled “Practical Steps for Effective Implementation of the Oronsaye Report,” Abah outlined 10 pivotal recommendations the government must consider ensuring the successful implementation of the report’s findings.
These steps are crucial for the government to navigate the complexities of such a comprehensive overhaul. Here’s a summarized exploration of these recommendations, reflecting a roadmap for the government’s journey towards an optimized and more efficient administrative framework.
Mergers require time: Government should realise that mergers are complex endeavors that require time, expertise, planning and resources.
Mergers cost money: Mergers cost money and there is a need to provide a budget for the exercise.
Setup Merger Committees: In addition to the 10-member committee announced by the government, it would be important to set up merger committees for each agency that is to be merged.
Public Awareness: There is a need to sensitise the public about what is realistically achievable in the 12 weeks that the 10-member committee has been given.
It would be prudent to allow a minimum of six months if things are to be done properly.
Audit Assets: There should be an immediate independent audit of assets, as well as staff audits, of all the agencies affected.
There should be a review of mandates, management arrangements and organisational structures to ensure that the new organisations that emerge are appropriately sized and fit-for-purpose.
Staff rationalization: There is a need to rationalise staffing. This should be done sequentially, starting with redeploying people to other parts of the public service where their skills may be needed. However, it would be better to be upfront with the public and the trade unions that some people would have to go. Efforts should be made to offer enhanced packages for people to go, first on voluntary basis.
Stick to merger principles: The process for subsuming agencies under other agencies, relocating them to new ministries or abolishing them should use the same principles, including audit of assets, staff audits and rationalisation of staff.
Improve on record keeping: The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation should improve on its record keeping, particularly for important reports like the Joda, Ayida and Oronsaye reports and ensure that they are posted online for ease of access.
