The House of Representatives Special Ad-hoc Committee on Restructuring Government Agencies has made it clear that its work is not limited to the 2012 Oronsaye Report. While the report suggested streamlining government agencies for better efficiency, the committee has expanded its scope to look at over 110 government bodies.
Committee Chairman, Ibrahim Ayokunle Ishiaka, addressed concerns at a media briefing, stating that the committee will not be recommending any job cuts or staff retrenchment. He assured the public that the goal of the review is not to harm employees but to improve the functioning of government agencies.
Ishiaka explained that the committee’s main aim is to make sure that government bodies are working effectively to meet the needs of the country, especially as society and the world are rapidly changing. The committee will focus on removing redundancies and improving service delivery across federal agencies. He said that they would be gathering input from stakeholders, including experts and the general public, to ensure transparency and accountability in the review process.
The chairman also dismissed rumors that agencies might resist changes. He explained that any changes to these agencies, such as mergers, would require amendments to existing laws, which can only be done by Parliament.
The committee will begin public hearings on July 10, 2024, and has also opened a platform for people to submit their ideas and suggestions. This will allow the public to have a say in how government agencies should be restructured to serve them better.
