Government Agencies in Nigeria in Limbo: The Ongoing Merger and Relocation Process
• Some affected MDAs get notice of merger, relocation
• Reps invite SGF, HoS for review
• Stakeholders wary of gains, political hurdles
The implementation of the revised Steve Oronsaye Report in Nigeria has set off a flurry of activities within the federal government. Several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are facing the prospect of merger, relocation, or winding up, creating uncertainty and apprehension among employees.
The implementation committee has issued notices to some of the affected MDAs, prompting lobbying efforts from agency heads to prevent their scrapping or merging. The proposed changes aim to streamline bureaucracy, reduce duplication, and cut down on governance costs.
While the process is ongoing, the House of Representatives has summoned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Head of Service (HoS) to shed light on the implementation plan. The committee’s objective is to ensure transparency and accountability in aligning government structures with current needs.
If properly executed, the Oronsaye Report could save billions for the government, but challenges persist, including job losses and political hurdles. Stakeholders emphasize the need for a win-win approach that balances cost-cutting with effective governance.