By Editor
The Oronsaye Report Implementation Faces the Following Challenges in the Face of Rising Government Expenditure
ABUJA, Nigeria — The long-awaited Implementation of the Oronsaye Report is once again in the forefront of Nigeria’s complex bureaucratic web. The goal of the report, which was developed more than ten years ago, is to rationalize and reorganize the commissions, agencies, and parastatals of the federal government in an effort to reduce costs associated with governance and increase efficiency. Recent events, however, point to a difficult journey ahead for the enormous undertaking.
Is the Oronsaye Report a Mirage or a Beacon of Hope?
Born out of an initiative by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2011, the Oronsaye Report has been positioned as the answer to Nigeria’s bureaucratic problems. The report, led by Steve Oronsaye, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, called for a comprehensive reform of the civil service, promoting the integration of technology, performance-based management, compensation harmonisation, and the consolidation of agencies that shared functions.
In February 2024, following years of discussion, committee reorganisations, and political manoeuvring, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the report’s execution. But a closer examination of the calendar indicates an unsettling trend of political hesitation and postponement.
A Path of Broken Promises: A Ten-Year Journey
For more than 10 years, the Oronsaye Report—which is frequently praised as a guide for more efficient and effective governance—has been mired in bureaucratic hell. Even after it was submitted in 2012 and committees were established to draft a white paper, political stalemate and a lack of sincere dedication have hampered the execution.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to review the report in 2019, coupled with subsequent committees and reviews, seemed to signal a renewed interest. But there were numerous setbacks in the implementation process, and the Federal Government finally approved it in 2024. The irony is that the National Assembly was actively expanding the number of agencies it created during this period, so increasing the size of the government’s bureaucracy.
Government Expansion Amid Cost-Cutting Measures
The paradox of the government’s commitment to cost-cutting through the Oronsaye Report while concurrently expanding its apparatus raises eyebrows. Recent findings show that the National Assembly has created over 900 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) despite the report’s clear recommendations to cut redundancy and streamline operations.
The Budget Office of the Federation’s Director-General, Mr. Ben Akabueze, raised alarm over the MDAs’ rapidly increasing number in 2021 and described them as a burden on the economy. This puts the government’s declared commitment to cost-cutting in conflict with its actions of growing the bureaucracy.
Amid Political Manoeuvres, Scepticism
Scepticism is prevalent as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration prepares to adopt the Oronsaye Report. Citing the vacuous efforts of past governments, Gbenro Olajuyigbe, Executive Director of Emergency and Risk Alert, casts doubt on Tinubu’s level of dedication. Olajuyigbe argues that a more thorough restructuring plan is required because Nigeria’s problems go beyond the recommendations made in the Oronsaye Report.
He contends that while cutting government costs is a noble objective, it is not enough to solve Nigeria’s core problems, which include economic inequities, exclusionary governance, and interethnic conflict. Olajuyigbe claims that Tinubu’s formation of multiple ministries casts doubt on the genuineness of the cost-cutting efforts.
Ignoring the Big Picture: Nigeria’s Pervasive Issues
Nigeria, a resource-rich country, faces complex issues that go beyond the purview of the Oronsaye Report. Action Aid Nigeria’s Social Mobilisation Manager, Adewale Adeduntan, stresses the necessity of an all-encompassing strategy. In order to address the underlying causes of Nigeria’s situation, he emphasises the necessity of digital transformation, merit-based appointments, and openness in governance.
According to Adeduntan, it’s critical to promote openness, increase efficiency, and streamline procedures. These can open the door for a long-lasting change, together with accountability and regulatory reforms. He contends that rather than concentrating on surface-level adjustments, the goal should be to create a just and equal society.
The Oronsaye Report vs. Recent Government Appointments
President Tinubu’s choice of more over forty-five ministers begs important questions, especially in light of his pledge to carry out the Oronsaye Report. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre’s (CISLAC) Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, praises the implementation but voices reservations about the hurried pace. He emphasises the necessity for legal and constitutional support and urges for appropriate collaboration with the National Assembly.
The creation of new ministries without a concurrent review of the Oronsaye Report underscores a potential disconnect between political rhetoric and action. Rafsanjani stresses the importance of legislative engagement to ensure legitimacy and adherence to due process.
The Road Ahead: Hurdles and Considerations
The impending merger of agencies, such as the EFCC, ICPC, and CCB, poses intricate challenges. The consolidation of agencies with distinct focuses, like the NCC and NBC, adds complexity to the implementation process. Kelvin Emmanuel, Director of Obsidian Archenar, cautions against a piecemeal approach, urging a comprehensive review that considers post-2023 additions to MDAs.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) applauds the initiative but calls for adherence to established laws. Dr. Tommy Okon, President of ASCSN, emphasizes the need for dialogue between the government and labour unions to navigate potential job losses and challenges arising from the implementation.
A Call for Caution: Is Nigeria Able to Solve the Oronsaye Dilemma?
Nigeria is at a crossroads in terms of implementing the Oronsaye Report, and the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty and difficulties. The delicate balance between cost-cutting measures and political exigencies requires prudence. The government’s commitment to due process, legislative engagement, and addressing the broader socio-economic issues will determine whether the Oronsaye Report becomes a transformative blueprint or another chapter in Nigeria’s bureaucratic quagmire. Only time will unveil the trajectory of Nigeria’s struggle with the cost of governance and the elusive quest for efficiency.
