Amid concerns surrounding the implementation of Steve Oronsaye’s report, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reassured citizens about the government’s intentions.
The directive to implement Oronsaye’s report, according to reports, could impact thousands of workers in various agencies. However, Minister Idris emphasized that the government is not planning to lay off workers.
He noted that the aim is to make the civil service more efficient and reduce costs.
Speaking at a press briefing series in Abuja, Minister Idris explained the reasoning behind the restructuring of departments and agencies.
He said, “The consideration of Steve Oronsaye’s report is to improve efficiency in the Civil service. This does not mean that the government intends to retrench workers.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to cost reduction, Minister Idris mentioned recent approvals by the President. He said, “Only two days ago, the President approved a revolutionary approach towards reducing the cost of governance through the implementation of the much-talked-about Oronsaye Report – 12 years after the report was submitted to the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.”
Minister Idris underlined the careful assessment of decisions related to Oronsaye’s report. He stated, “The merger of some agencies and parastatals and the scrapping of others are not decisions taken lightly. It followed careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure that essential services are not compromised.”
Regarding President Tinubu’s objectives, Minister Idris explained, “Through the implementation of Oronsaye’s Report, President Tinubu aims to achieve significant cost savings by eliminating duplication of functions, streamlining administrative processes, and optimizing resource allocation.”