The Federal Government has explained that the whole idea of implementing Oronsaye report is that government wants to reduce cost and improve efficiency service delivery which mean that the government is not out to retrench workers or throw people into the labour market.
Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris in his remarks at the fourth edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series on Wednesday in Abuja, allayed fear of job losses in implementation of the Report, which seeks to rationalise government agencies and parastatals.
Recalled that the Federal Executive Council chaired by the President on Monday, in order to enhance efficiency in the Federal service, and reduce cost of governance, decided to implement the recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye panel on the restructuring and rationalisation of Federal agencies, parastatals and commissions.
The Oronsaye report which was submitted in 2012 to the Jonathan administration and in 2014, the Jonathan government released a white paper on it. Also Buhari administration, after re-examining the white paper, released a second white paper in August 2022 but did not implement it.
The Minister said, “The whole idea is that government wants to reduce cost and also improve efficiency in service delivery. It does not mean that government is out to retrench workers or throw people into the labour market”.
He explained further that the implementation of the report, which has been on the shelf for about 11 years, is a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fiscal prudence and responsible governance by championing comprehensive review of the government‘s commissions, agencies, and parastatals.
Idris added the approval for the implementation of the Orosanye Report, was followed a very careful review, and to ensure that essential services are not compromised and that the needs of the citizens are adequately addressed while putting the interests of the nation first and foremost.
“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.
“This proactive approach will enable the government to operate more efficiently while maintaining the quality and delivery of services to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Minister, who said Nigerians are beginning to see the benefits of the reforms being spearheaded by the president in various sectors, stressed that reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that Nigeria witnessed a GDP growth of 3.46% in the fourth quarter of 2023 as against 2.54% recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
He added that the NBS report also states that capital importation rose to 66% in the fourth quarter of 2023, reversing a 36% decline in the third quarter. Petrol importation has been reduced by 50% since the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy, while the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index crossed the 100,000 mark – its highest ever.
He said the achievements being recorded in the economy were not merely a stroke of luck but mainly due to the pragmatic reforms initiated by the President, which inspired investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
Minister said the President has also given a directive for the design of a Social Security Unemployment Programme to cater for the unemployed graduates as well as the setting up of a Social Consumer Credit Scheme to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians, as they make adjustments in view of the temporary economic hardship.
He said after the review of the National Social Investment Programme, the President has given approval for the resumption of the direct payments of N25,000 to 15 million households.