President Bola Tinubu on Monday issued a directive for the comprehensive execution of the Oronsaye report, marking a significant step towards streamlining government operations.
The move implies the amalgamation, absorption, closure, and relocation of several government agencies, as confirmed by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, during a press briefing after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Here are 10 key points to help you better understand the Oronsaye report:
- Inception: Former President Goodluck Jonathan established the Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions, and Agencies in 2012, appointing Stephen Oronsaye to lead the committee.
- Scope: The report, having 800 pages, proposed the abolition and consolidation of 220 out of the then-existing 541 government agencies.
- Employment Impact: Implementation of the report would result in over 100 heads of agencies and parastatals losing their positions.
- Structural Changes: Recommendations included reducing statutory agencies from 263 to 161, abolishing 38 agencies, merging 52, and reverting 14 to departments within ministries.
- Management Audit: The report advocated for a management audit of 89 agencies, incorporating biometric data of staff, and suggested discontinuing government funding for professional bodies and councils.
- Cost Savings: According to the report, the government stands to save more than N862 billion between 2012 and 2015 if the recommendations are implemented.
- Financial Implications: The proposed savings breakdown includes reductions from abolished agencies, mergers, professional bodies, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and federal medical centers.
- Potential Affected Agencies: Notable agencies that may be affected include the EFCC, ICPC, FRSC, NCC, NTA, FRCN, and VON, among others, with overlapping functions targeted for consolidation.
- Previous Response: Following the report, a White Paper committee, appointed by Jonathan’s administration, rejected most recommendations, leading to limited implementation.
- Recent Developments: In November 2021, the Federal Government established two committees to review the Oronsaye report and agencies created from 2014 onwards, with subsequent efforts towards producing a viable white paper for implementation.