In a sweeping move aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing the cost of governance, the Federal Executive Council, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the implementation of recommendations from the Steve Oronsaye panel on the restructuring and rationalization of Federal agencies, parastatals, and commissions.
The decisions were announced following a meeting held on Monday, 26th February, where far-reaching resolutions were made to streamline the functions of various government bodies. These decisions mark a significant step towards optimizing government operations and improving service delivery across different sectors.
One of the key highlights of the decisions is the approval for the construction of the Lagos-Port Harcourt-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, with the initial phase set to commence in Lagos. This project aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic development along the coastal regions.
Additionally, the Council has given the green light for the commencement of social security payments to vulnerable households, with beneficiaries required to possess National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). Furthermore, social security coverage will be extended to graduates from the National Certificate of Education (NCE) level and upwards, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing support to marginalized groups.
Another significant development is the establishment of a Consumer Credit scheme, which will be spearheaded by a committee led by the Chief of Staff to the President. This initiative seeks to facilitate access to credit for consumers and stimulate economic growth.
In a bid to streamline government agencies and eliminate duplication of functions, the Council has approved the merging, subsuming, and scrapping of several agencies with similar mandates. This move is based on recommendations from the Steve Oronsaye panel, which submitted its report in 2012.
Key recommendations include the merger of the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission with the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, as well as the consolidation of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission with the Bureau of Public Enterprise.
Furthermore, the Council has approved the merging of various agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with the National Commission for Refugee, Migration, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and the fusion of the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA) with the Center for Disease Control in the Federal Ministry of Health.
The decisions also involve the relocation of certain agencies to different ministries, such as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to the Ministry of Power, and the National Agricultural Land Development Agency to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
To oversee the implementation of these reforms, an eight-man committee has been constituted, with a 12-week deadline to ensure the necessary legislative amendments and administrative restructuring are carried out efficiently. The committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and will comprise key government officials tasked with driving the reform agenda forward.
Overall, these decisions reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing governance effectiveness, optimizing resources, and fostering sustainable development across various sectors of the economy.
