16 months on, uncertainty surrounds Oronsaye report implementation

The Oronsaye Panel Report has been a subject of concern due to the delay in its implementation.

In February 2024, President Bola Tinubu’s administration approved the report, which aims to reduce the cost of governance and streamline government operations by merging, scrapping, or relocating some government agencies.

The expected outcome includes saving the Federal Government over N241 billion.

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An 11-member committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was inaugurated to oversee the implementation process with a 12-week deadline. However, 16 months after the approval, there has been no official update on the status of the implementation.

The delay has raised concerns about government negligence, with Nigerians questioning the commitment to reducing governance costs and improving efficiency.

Critics argue that the government lacks transparency and accountability in its handling of the report’s implementation, adding that the government must prioritise transparency and accountability by providing regular updates on the implementation process to restore public trust.

The complexity of the task and potential bureaucratic hurdles, our reporter gathered, may be contributing to the delay.

Earlier, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had emphasised that the government is dedicated to ensuring a thorough and effective implementation, despite the absence of a definitive timeline.

If properly implemented, the Oronsaye Report is expected to reduce government expenditure and save costs, streamline government operations and improve efficiency, and enhance governance and accountability.

As Oronsaye report implementation continues to delay, Nigerians remain skeptical about the government’s sincerity in implementing the report’s recommendations.