FEB262024

The Oronsaye report, officially known as the Presidential Committee on the Rationalization and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, was a document submitted to the Nigerian government in 2012. It aimed to recommend measures for streamlining government agencies, minimizing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and reducing the cost of governance.

The report was authored by Stephen Oronsaye, a former Head of the Nigerian Civil Service.

Here is a concise breakdown of the report:

1. Introduction: The report begins with an overview of the Nigerian government's previous efforts to streamline government agencies. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive examination of the existing parastatals, commissions, and agencies to eliminate duplication of functions and reduce government expenditure.

2. Methodology: The report outlines the methodology adopted by the committee to review the various agencies. It explains the data collection process, consultations with stakeholders, and the criteria used to analyze the agencies; performances.

3. Summary of Findings: This section provides a summary of the committees' key findings. It highlights the existence of multiple agencies with overlapping functions, inadequate coordination among agencies, and poor manpower planning. The report also identifies instances of duplication, where separate agencies perform similar functions.

4. Recommendations: The heart of the Oronsaye report lies in the recommendations made by the committee. These recommendations focus on merging, scrapping, or repositioning certain agencies for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The report suggests reducing the number of agencies from 263 to 161 by merging or rationalizing several entities.

5. Implementation Guidelines: This section provides step-by-step guidelines for the implementation of the committee's recommendations. It suggests engaging a project management team, establishing an implementation committee, and defining timelines for the execution of the suggested changes.

6. Institutional Framework for Restructuring: The report proposes the establishment of an institutional framework to oversee the restructuring process. This would include the creation of a new Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations to supervise the implementation of the recommendations. It also suggests setting up a specialized unit within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to coordinate the restructuring process.

7. Benefits and Challenges: The report discusses the potential benefits of implementing the recommendations, including cost savings, improved service delivery, and enhanced coordination among agencies. It also acknowledges the challenges that may arise during the restructuring process, such as resistance from affected agencies, legal and legislative implications, and managing staff redundancies.

8. Conclusion: The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of implementing the recommendations to achieve a more efficient and cost-effective government structure in Nigeria. It stresses the need for political will and commitment from the government to drive the restructuring process.

Aside:

It is worth noting that the Oronsaye report generated significant controversy and debate in Nigeria. While some saw it as a necessary step towards reducing government waste and improving efficiency, others raised concerns about potential job losses and the impact on service delivery. Subsequent governments have taken selective actions on the report's recommendations, but a full-scale adoption and implementation of the recommendations are yet to be realized.

Keniebi Ebitibituwa

Managing Partner, K.B Ebitibituwa & Partners LLP