By Milcah Tanimu

The recent approval by the Federal Government to implement certain recommendations from the long-pending Stephen Oronsaye Report has garnered mixed reactions, with the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) offering both commendation and caution.

ASCSN’s National President, Tommy Etim, emphasized the potential ramifications of job losses amidst the country’s current socio-economic climate, warning that such actions could incite widespread protests.

After twelve years since its submission, the Federal Government has given the green light to some of the proposed reforms outlined in the Oronsaye Report, aimed at reducing the government’s expenditure. This includes the merging of 29 government agencies, the absorption of eight parastatals into existing entities, the relocation of four agencies to various ministries, and the proposed scrapping of one agency.

The Oronsaye Report, commissioned by then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012, recommended a significant restructuring of the public sector, advocating for the reduction of statutory agencies from 541 to 161, among other measures.

While the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, sought to allay fears of job losses, Etim commended the government’s efforts to streamline governance costs but stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to cost-cutting across all branches of government.

Etim urged against layoffs during this period of economic uncertainty and called on the National Assembly to halt the creation of additional agencies. He also emphasized the need for thorough consideration and legal preparation to prevent potential litigation arising from the implementation process.

Additionally, Etim proposed measures such as transforming the National Assembly into a part-time institution or a unicameral legislature to further reduce governance costs. He emphasized the importance of redirecting resources towards critical sectors like education, healthcare, and national security while ensuring the welfare of affected civil servants.

ASCSN urged the government to embark on extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits of implementing the report and stressed the importance of involving organized labor in the process to ensure transparency and credibility.

In conclusion, Etim cautioned that any significant job losses during this challenging period could ignite mass protests and industrial unrest, underscoring the need for careful consideration and mitigation strategies in the implementation of the Oronsaye Report recommendations.