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By Anthony Isibor.
AMAL Pepple, Chairman, Committee on Review of New Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions, PACS has said that the federal government must reduce the cost of governance to ensure that it improves on the living standards of the populace and not use government as a source of avoidable wasteful spending.
She made this known while delivering her remarks delivered at the report submission ceremony held recently at the secretary to the government of the federation’s conference room.
Realnews reports that the Committee met 13 times, collected and collated information from all ministries, held interviews with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Agencies, reviewed approved budgetary provisions and relevant literature as well as relevant Acts of Parliament and Administrative Instruments to reach its findings and make necessary recommendations.
According to Pepple, the commission expanded its work to cover the period immediately after the release of the original report in order not to leave any gaps as it was likely to miss out Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions created between 2012 and 2014.
“A major consideration for this assignment was the imperative for the federal hovernment to address the drivers of high cost of governance.
“It is, therefore, important that the following critical recommendations are given utmost consideration,” she said.
Parts of the recommendations of the commission, which according to her, was strictly guided by the Terms of Reference, “Focused on reducing cost of governance, improving cost efficiency, eliminating duplication or overlapping functions and propriety/impropriety of government funding professional associations.”
She said: “As we approach another election year, we do appreciate the concerns of government in adopting and implementing the recommendations proffered. However, Nigeria faces a fierce urgency of yesterday in reducing the cost of governance to ensure that we improve the living standards of the populace and not use government as a source of avoidable wasteful spending.
“This is made more pertinent when we consider the fact that the year 2022 budget has a recurrent expenditure of 40.3% (N6.91trillion) and a Capital Budget of 31.9% (N5.471), while the balance is made up of debt servicing and statutory allocations,” she said
She also noted that these can be achieved by placing moratorium on creation of new Federal Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions, direct the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to adhere strictly to the Act establishing it and henceforth desist from approving salaries, and strict adherence by Political Office Holders to the Terms of their Engagement especially in relation to appointment of Aides.
Pepple, who said that she believes in President Muhammadu Buhari’s consistent support for reforms, also urged the government to make it a priority in implementing the findings of the report.
“Your Excellency, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen, the implementation plan and Key Performance Indicators provide the federal government with an opportunity to seriously consider the recommendations proffered as it was designed with considerations for the human angle of implementing them.
“There will never be any better time to implement any reforms because there will always be reasons, justifiable and otherwise for it not to occur, especially in a democratic dispensation.
“However, President Muhammadu Buhari’s consistent support for reforms and avowed commitment to leave a lasting legacy places him in good stead to deal with these issues that have been avoided by previous administrations,” she said
She also thanked President Buhari, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, for finding them worthy to serve on this assignment.
“It is also befitting that I acknowledge the tremendous support of members and secretariat of this committee with whom we were able to deliver on this great assignment.
“It is our hope that the federal government would conclude the review report in good time for the implementation to commence in line with the development timelines for the overall benefit of the country.
“Once again, I would like to extend our deep gratitude for this opportunity to serve and reiterate our readiness whenever called upon to serve this great country for the benefit of the greater majority,” she added.
– Feb. 09, 2022 @ 17:54 GMT |
A.I
Tags: AMAL Pepple Boss Mustapha PACS President Muhammadu Buhari
