The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for the swift implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye report, which proposes scrapping certain government agencies to reduce the cost of governance. Findwhosabi News reports that the recommendations aim to streamline the bureaucracy and cut unnecessary expenses.
Speaking at a dialogue on the cost of governance organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja, Akpabio highlighted the high overhead costs of appointive public officials, along with the salaries and allowances of elected officials, as key contributors to excessive government spending. He stressed the urgent need to act on the Oronsaye report, recently approved by the federal government.
Representing Akpabio, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe emphasized the importance of transparent and accountable governance. He called for the elimination of wasteful expenses and a leaner bureaucracy.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also advocated for measures to align government spending with the current economic climate. He noted that Nigeria’s ongoing budget deficits underscore the need for prudent fiscal management.
In response to the recommendations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established an 11-member committee to oversee their implementation. The Federal Government assured that executing the Oronsaye report would not result in job losses for Nigerian workers. Instead, it aims to ensure cost savings, efficiency, and prudent government spending.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that implementing the report would help eliminate redundant functions, streamline administrative processes, and optimize resource allocation. This initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil Service.