Concerns Grow Over Delayed Implementation Of Oronsaye Panel Report.
One year after the Federal Executive Council (FEC), led by President Bola Tinubu, approved aspects of the 2012 Stephen Oronsaye panel report for implementation, concerns are mounting over the lack of progress. Nigerians are increasingly demanding updates on the status of the report’s execution, with the Federal Government remaining silent despite repeated inquiries.
The FEC gave its approval for implementation on 26 February 2024, in what was described as a bold move to reduce the cost of governance. Following the decision, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the establishment of a committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. The committee was given a 12-week deadline to oversee the restructuring process.
Implementation Plan and Delays
The committee was composed of key government officials, including the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reform. It was tasked with carrying out administrative restructuring and legislative amendments required to implement the report’s recommendations fully.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Formulation, Hadiza Bala Usman, had emphasised that the committee’s terms of reference were clear and that the government was committed to ensuring the full actualisation of the approved measures. The implementation was expected to result in the scrapping, merging, or relocation of various government agencies, commissions, and departments.
At the time, Idris reassured Nigerians that the restructuring would not lead to job losses, stating that the goal was to enhance efficiency rather than displace workers. However, a year later, no official update has been provided on the progress of the implementation.
Government’s Silence Raises Concerns
Despite repeated attempts to obtain information, neither Idris nor Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, responded to inquiries regarding the status of the implementation. The lack of communication has fuelled concerns about whether the government remains committed to the restructuring process or if the initiative has stalled.
With growing calls for transparency, stakeholders are urging the government to provide a clear update on the implementation status of the Oronsaye panel report. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the need for cost-effective governance remains a critical issue, making the report’s execution more crucial than ever.