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Despite Orosanye report, FG approves two new agencies

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From February 26, 2024 to date, President Tinubu had two new commissions.

The President alongside the legislative arm of government have continued to push for establishment of a new ministry, agencies and commissions, months after the President called for the full implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye.

These two are the South East Development Commission and North West Development Commission.

On February 26, 2024, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in a post on X (formerly Twitter) announced the decision of the President.

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“Twelve years after the Steve Oronsaye panel submitted its report on restructuring and rationalising Federal Government parastatals and agencies and a white paper issued two years after, President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council today decided to implement the report,” Onanuga wrote.

“Many agencies will be scrapped and many others will be merged, to pave the way to a leaner government,” he said.

The Presidency had since released a list of agencies to be scrapped and those to be merged.

In 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan set up the presidential committee on the reformation of government agencies chaired by Steven Oronsaye, a former Head of Service of the Federation.

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Its terms of reference included, among others, examining the enabling Acts and mandates of all the federal agencies, parastatals, and commissions to determine areas of overlap or duplication of functions.

The committee, in its report, recommended that of the 541 Statutory and Non-Statutory Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions, 263 statutory agencies should be reduced to 161, 38 agencies should be abolished, 52 agencies should be merged, and 14 should revert to departments in ministries.

A white paper committee, headed by the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, reviewed the report and rejected most of the recommendations of the committee when it submitted its report in 2014.

However, even the accepted recommendations were not implemented until the Jonathan administration left office in 2015.

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In 2021, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated two committees to implement the report.

One of the committees headed by a former Head of Service, Bukar Aji, was mandated to review the Oronsaye Report and the government white paper.

The other committee chaired by Amal Pepple was mandated to review MDAs created between 2014 and 2021.

The then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, in July 2022, set up another white paper committee, headed by Ebele Okeke, to review the report of the Pepple committee. However, the Buhari administration failed to implement the report.

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While the discourse on the implementation of the report was ongoing, the National Assembly and successive governments have been creating agencies and institutions, therefore, increasing the cost of governance in the process.

The consequence of the bloated government has been the steady increase in the recurrent expenditure of the Federal Government.

On September 14, 2023, the National Livestock Reforms Committee recommended that Tinubu create a “Ministry of Livestock Resources” to, among other deliverables, reduce the decades-long gory conflict between farmers and nomadic cattle herders.

Former Kano State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after he led the committee in an audience with the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

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It formed part of 21 recommendations captured in a document submitted to the President to enhance the Federal Government’s holistic response to the lingering cases of bloodshed.

The document spelt details of the proposed solutions where the committee advocated a reform agenda examining conflict mitigation and resource management.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, Senate during its plenary passed for Second Reading the Bill to establish the National Assembly Budget and Research Office.

On March 12, lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed for second reading, a bill Sponsored by Uchenna Okonkwo, a lawmaker representing Idemili north and south federal constituency of Anambra state, the bill proposes to establish the bank to “provide financial support, promote investment and foster sustainable development” in the mining sector.

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Similarly on the same day, the Senate pushed for first reading three new bills for the establishment of three different Federal Tertiary institutions.

The first was a bill sponsored by a Senator, Khalid Mustapha (Kaduna North) seeking for the establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical) to be situated in Saminaka in Kaduna state.

The second sponsored by Siyako Anthony (Gombe South) sought for the establishment of a Federal College of Medical Science and Laboratory Technology.

The third bill which was introduced by Akobundu Austin (Abia central) sought for the establishment of Federal College of Technology, Ikwuano in Abia state.

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On March 13, 2024, a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Clement Jimbo pushed for the establishment of a new Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology to be situated in Eka-Midim in Akwa-Ibom state.

On Tuesday, March 19,2024, another lawmaker in the lower House, Abubakar Fulata pushed for the establishment of the Nigeria Digital Literacy Management Office.

Similarly, the Senate pushed for first reading on the same day, a bill for the establishment of the Police Pension Board as sponsored by Yaroe Dauda (Adamawa North).

The Bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute was introduced for first reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 20,2024 by lawmaker Bello Ambarura.

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Also on same date, the Senate pushed for first reading, a bill for the establishment of Federal College of Agriculture, Ocheja in Kogi state which was sponsored by Senator representing Kogi East, Jibrin Isah.

On the same date, a bill to establish National Institute for Education planning and administration and other matters connected therewith sponsored by Suleiman Sadiq( Kwara North) also passed second reading.

Other bills include a bill seeking to establish a national tax crimes and oversight commission has passed the second reading at the House of Representatives which was proposed on March 6, 2024.

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Core Public Servants hail Tinubu for appointing thoroughbred Procurement officer, Adedokun as BPP DG

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A group under the aegis of Core Public Servants, CPS hail President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr Adebowale Adedokun, a thoroughbred Procurement officer as the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

CPS in a congratulatory letter signed by Kudirat Akindero to Adedokun lauded President Tinubu for following due process and picking the most qualified to run the affairs of the soecialised agency.

In the letter, the ADSC said:

“Congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, PhD (MCIPS, CMILT), on his appointment as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

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“This significant achievement reflects his extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing public procurement in Nigeria.

“With over 20 years of robust experience in public service, Dr. Adedokun has made substantial contributions to procurement reform.

“His distinguished academic background includes a doctorate in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, complemented by four master’s degrees in Procurement, Finance, Technology, and Transportation Management.

” This diverse educational foundation equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in procurement processes.

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“In his career, Dr. Adedokun has held pivotal roles, including serving as a National Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on public procurement reforms.

“He represents Nigeria in the International Research Study on Public Procurement (IRSPP) and serves as a World Bank Resource Person on Sustainable Procurement. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his training of over 4,000 federal and state government procurement professionals nationwide.

” Additionally, he has been instrumental as the focal point officer for the UN Women Project aimed at empowering women in procurement in Nigeria and as the Project Coordinator/Procurement Node for the SPESSE – World Bank Project.

“Dr. Adedokun’s professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), UK; Chartered Membership in the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT); Fellowship in the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN); Fellowship in the Institute of Management Consultants (ICMC), Nigeria; membership in the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACArb); Fellowship in the Nigeria Institute of Training & Development (NITAD); membership in the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM); and membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

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In recognition of his consistent contributions to reform, Dr. Adedokun was honored with a Certificate of Special Recognition by USAID’s Nigerian Reforms Project in July 2009.

As he assumes the role of Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun’s extensive knowledge and experience are anticipated to significantly contribute to the agency’s strategic repositioning.

” His leadership is expected to advance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s public procurement system.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun on this well-deserved appointment.

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Brain Drain, Infrastructure, Resource Allocation Challenges Of Health Sector – Reps

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has highlighted the detrimental impact of the mass migration of health workers from Nigeria, describing it as a major challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
The Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions,  Rep. Amos Magaji, stated this during a public hearing on 16 bills aimed at establishing various health institutions, on Thursday in Abuja.
Rep. Magaji underscored the need for better distribution of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to address population growth and healthcare gaps.
He noted, “Recently, there has been an enormous migration of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in search of ‘greener pastures,’ leaving Nigeria’s health sector severely understaffed. To improve the sector, we must invest in human resources, medical intelligence, and the administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit.”
The Chairman also brought to light the infrastructural deficiencies in healthcare institutions across the country, citing inadequate funding, lack of maintenance, and insufficient equipment as recurring issues.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salahudeen, in his submission warned against the duplication of health institutions, and stated that such efforts would strain the already scarce resources.
He explained, “Existing Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centers in Nigeria, including those in the North West, already provide cardiovascular care and related services. Establishing a new institute would add financial burden without addressing the core issues.”
Pate also acknowledged the migration of health workers and the need for a stronger workforce to handle emerging health challenges.
“The Federal Ministry of Health supports the establishment of new institutions but insists on considering geographical spread, population density, and disease burden in proposed locations,” he added.
The hearing emphasised the need for balanced development in the healthcare sector, adequate funding for existing institutions, and policies to retain health professionals in Nigeria.
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Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

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By Gloria Ikibah
Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.
Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.
This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.
According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.
AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.
**Key statements on the acquisition:**
– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said:  “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”
Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”
Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.
The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.
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