Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha has received the draft of the White paper by the committee on the review of the Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The SGF said that the Federal Government is doing everything necessary to ensure that no sector is neglected.
According to him, It is important to note that the high cost of governance, in Nigeria and revenue challenges being experienced in the midst of competing societal demands are of serious concern to the Federal Government.
He noted that the expertise brought to bear by the members of the committee in the cause of the assignment would guide the Federal Government in addressing the high cost of governance and other associated problems.
” It is also commendable that the Committee was able to complete the assignment within the 6 week time line given to them, which further demonstrate the seriousness and passion members conducted the work.
” I want to assure the Committee and Nigerians that the Draft White Paper will be given all the necessary attention and that taken on the various action will be appropriate recommendations contained in the report.“
The Chairman of the Committee, Engr Ebele Okeke said that the Committee observed that the legal framework and enabling Act of some of the PACs did not clearly define structure, management and oversight.
According to her, Most of the laws used Agency, Commission and Board inter-changeably.
” For instance, where the organization is defined as a Commission, the provisions of the law did not support the structure of a Commission. In this regard, where the Committee recommended change in status/name, amendment of the Act/Law 1s also recommended, accordingly.
“The Committee also observed that most of the agencies created especially under Education and Health, were Bills that emanated from the National Assembly. It is therefore, important to engage and dialogue with the NASS to generate an understanding to streamline the creation of new PACs.
” It is noteworthy that some of the recommendations can be considered as low hanging fruits that can be implemented immediately after approval of the White Paper,“ the committee emphasised.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation inaugurated the 8-member Committee on the 1st of July, 2022 to produce a Draft White Paper, the 2022 Report of the Committee on the Review of New Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions created since 2012 after the submission of the Report on the Restructuring and Rationalization of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions.
