If no last minute changes are made, then about 220 Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals, which is almost half of the number earlier suggested by Steve Orosanye-led committee may be scrapped. This is based on the new federal government’s directive.
The decision follows the review of the white paper drafted by the Orosanye’s committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Parastatals.
Confirming the development, Media Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Rueben Abati, said that out of the 451 agencies recommended by the Orosanye Committee for scrapping, the white paper drafting committee had concluded on 220.
In a chat with State House correspondents, Abati stated that recommendation of the white paper drafting committee was, however, subject to the ratification of the Federal Executive Council, which would soon take a final decision on it.
“There is no cause for any anxiety. The Oronsaye Committee considered suggestions, recommendations from different quarters and in total. That committee looked at 541 federal parastatals, commissions and agencies. The white paper drafting committee out of that, accepted 321, noted some recommendations, rejected some.”
“At the end of the day, the FEC will take final decision on this recommendation, and when that is done, the white paper will be made public. I don’t think we should jump the gun.”
The spokesman said that the essence of the exercise was to ensure efficiency, reduce the cost of government, avoid leakages and wastages and to make government far more effective in delivering quality service to Nigerians.
“This is not targeted at pushing anybody out of work; this is not an exercise in making life difficult for anybody. This is just government restructuring for better level of efficiency. People should not be unduly anxious.”
“You can be assured that now that it is at the level of the FEC, work will be completed on it very quickly. The white paper will be released and it will be implemented accordingly,” he said.
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