The implementation of the Oronsaye Report in Nigeria, which focuses on restructuring federal agencies, is poised to have far-reaching implications on various aspects of the country’s governance and economy. It is expected to have implications on food prices in Nigeria and the fall of the Naira. By targeting the elimination of duplicated functions, streamlining administrative processes, and enhancing resource allocation efficiency, the government foresees substantial cost savings.
This decisive move is poised to bring about a host of benefits for the country. Firstly, by reducing duplication and inefficiencies within agencies, Nigeria can expect a boost in operational efficiency. This streamlining process will not only lead to cost savings but also facilitate better resource allocation, ultimately improving service delivery to the Nigerian populace. Moreover, the strategic realignment of bureaucracies will enable administrators to focus more on core functions rather than being bogged down by administrative redundancies.
Overview of Affected Parastatals
According to official reports, the Oronsaye Panel’s wise recommendations will be actualized by merging, scrapping, subsumption, and relocation of the following entities:
Scrapped Agencies
- Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (functions moved to Finance Ministry)
- National Senior Secondary Education Commission (functions shifted to Education Ministry)
Merged Bodies
- National Agency for the Control of Aids (merged with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
- National Emergency Management Agency (merged with National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons)
- Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (merged with Bureau of Public Enterprises)
- Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (merged with Nigerian Export Promotion Council)
- Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (merged with Directorate of Technical Aid)
- National Biotechnology Development Agency (merged with National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology)
- Nomadic Education Commission (merged with Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education)
- Federal Radio Corporation (merged with Voice of Nigeria)
- National Commission for Museums & Monuments (merged with National Gallery of Arts)
- National Theatre (merged with National Troupe of Nigeria)
- National Metallurgical Development Centre (merged with National Metallurgical Training Institute)
- Nigerian Army University (merged with Nigerian Defence Academy)
- Air Force Institute of Technology (merged with Nigerian Defence Academy)
Subsumed Agencies
- Service Compact with Nigerians (subsumed under Bureau of Public Service Reforms)
- Border Communities Development Agency (subsumed under National Boundary Commission)
- National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (subsumed under Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission)
- Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (subsumed under Nigerian Institute of International Affairs)
- Public Complaints Commission (subsumed under National Human Rights Commission)
- Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis (subsumed under Institute of Veterinary Research)
- Nigerian National Medicine Development Agency (subsumed under National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development)
- National Intelligence Agency Pension Commission (subsumed under Nigerian Pension Commission)
- Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (subsumed under Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy)
Relocated Entities
- Niger Delta Power Holding Company (relocated to Ministry of Power)
- National Agricultural Land Development Agency (relocated to Ministry of Agriculture)
- National Blood Service Commission (relocated to Federal Ministry of Health)
- Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (relocated to Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Strategic Benefits of Reform
With this comprehensive restructuring, the Federal Government aims to boost inter-agency coordination, eliminate waste, enhance productivity and service delivery across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Specifically, merging duplicative agencies will optimize operations and promote synergies. Meanwhile, scrapping redundant bureaucracies will increase efficiency and shift resources to frontline services. Relocations will enhance ministry monitoring and outcomes.
For instance, integrating disease control agencies under the Health Ministry will strengthen public health protection. And combining investment promotion entities will make Nigeria more attractive for business and FDI.
Additionally, subsumption into larger agencies curtails overhead costs. Citizens can expect improved governance as administrators focus more on service rather than internal bureaucracy.
By streamlining bureaucracies, the Oronsaye Panel’s strategic overhaul promises to bolster efficiency, reduce duplication, and facilitate optimum governance.
Northern Interests and Restructuring Implications
While some vocal northern stakeholders express reservations about reforms that reduce federal power, progressive elements welcome improvements that eliminate waste. Most agree that prudently executed reforms will improve life for all Nigerians regardless of region.
Although the Oronsaye report itself does not provide for state police or constitutional changes, its realignment of agencies indicates growing nationwide support for better resource utilization. If managed strategically, the overhaul could pave the way for further decentralization.
By empowering states and minimizing overlap between federal parastatals, service delivery will be enhanced across all geopolitical zones.
The bottom line
In summary, the Oronsaye report provides a timely blueprint for Nigeria to optimize its bureaucracies through mergers, scrapping redundant agencies, strategic relocation and subsumption. The government’s approval demonstrates resolve for reform.
When executed successfully, Nigeria will be positioned for inclusive development and efficient governance, with administrators focused on service delivery rather than duplication. This overhaul represents incremental progress, setting the stage for deeper decentralization.
With streamlined agencies, reduced costs and enhanced coordination, the Federal Government can now concentrate on governance excellence for Nigeria’s growing population.