Federal lawmakers begin review of Oronsaye’s report proposals

The House of Representatives Special Ad Hoc Committee on Restructuring of Government Agencies and Commissions has begun reviewing the recommendations in the Steve Oronsanye Report.

Persecondnews recalls that the report was submitted to the President Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2012 as part of efforts to trim and rationalize the ministries, departments and agencies at the federal level.

The report suggests consolidating, abolishing, and relocating various government departments and agencies to streamline operations and reduce administrative expenses.

The comprehensive report on public sector reforms uncovered a staggering 541 FG agencies, commissions, and parastatals, both statutory and non-statutory.

Persecondnews recalls that on February 26, 2024, President Bola Tinubu, chairing the Federal Executive Council (FEC), approved the implementation of the report’s recommendations, as announced by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation.

The report’s proposals suggest consolidating 29 government agencies into fewer entities, absorbing eight parastatals into existing agencies, and reassigning four agencies to different ministries.

Additionally, there are plans to abolish one agency.

The FEC has tasked a committee, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to review the report and provide further recommendations for implementation.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee, Isiaka Ayokunle, justified the need to review the report.

He said: “We must revisit the recommendations of the Oronsaye Report and other pertinent white papers to ensure that we are aligning our government structures with current realities, best practices, and the changing needs of our society.

“The world is evolving rapidly, and our government agencies and commissions must be structured in a way that enables them to deliver on their mandates effectively and efficiently.”

Ayokunle, who represents the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun State, emphasized that the committee’s review seeks to detect redundancies, duplications, and inefficiencies in FG agencies and commissions in order to identify areas for enhancement and optimize their performance.

He said: “Our goal is to apply the legislative approach in streamlining operations, eliminate duplication of functions, enhance service delivery, and optimise resource allocation.

“This review will be comprehensive and thorough, taking into cognisance the diverse perspectives and expertise available to us.

“We acknowledge the importance of stakeholder engagement in this process, and we will require input from various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organisations, and the general public.”

Ayokunle announced that the committee will convene a one-day public hearing on July 10 in Abuja, providing an opportunity for the public and interested parties to contribute their thoughts and insights on the matter.