The Nigerian House of Representatives has emphasized the need to update the Stephen Oronsaye Report on civil service reform before implementation, citing its outdatedness and the evolving landscape of governance. Senator Shehu Sani echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of modernizing the report to align with current realities.
During a plenary session, the House urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2012 Oronsaye Report, as well as related reports and white papers, before any implementation. Specifically, they called for a review of the Goni Aji Report, which assessed the Oronsaye Report, alongside other pertinent documents.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance jointly moved by Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, Hon. Olumide Osoba, and Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi. Nkemkanma highlighted the background of the Oronsaye committee’s recommendations in 2012, which proposed significant restructuring and consolidation of government agencies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
However, Nkemkanma expressed concern over the delay in implementing the report and emphasized the importance of updating it to reflect current realities. He noted that the proliferation of new agencies and commissions since 2012 rendered the original report outdated.
Senator Shehu Sani echoed Nkemkanma’s sentiments, stating that the report’s implementation without considering its obsolescence could have unintended consequences. Sani urged for the involvement of Oronsaye and his committee to update the report based on recent developments in governance.
Sani criticized the practice of creating numerous agencies by legislators to gauge their performance, highlighting the need for fiscal responsibility in a resource-constrained country like Nigeria. He emphasized the relevance of the Oronsaye Report in streamlining governance and eliminating redundant agencies.
The House’s resolution underscores the importance of aligning governance structures with current realities to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. By calling for a comprehensive review of the Oronsaye Report, the House aims to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s civil service and enhance its productivity and effectiveness in serving the nation.