Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has stated that the Federal Government is not out to retrench workers.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja on Wednesday, said:
“The whole idea is that government wants to reduce cost and also improve efficiency in service delivery.
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‘’It does not mean that government is out to retrench workers or throw people into the labour market.”
Chief Bola Tinubu had announced, on Monday, implementation of the report that will lead to merger of ministries and reduction of MDAs from 263 to 161, among others.
Idris said implementation of the report, which had been on the shelf for about 11 years, is a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fiscal prudence and responsible governance by championing a comprehensive review of government‘s commissions, agencies, and parastatals.
He said approval for implementation of the Oronsaye’s report after a very careful review, was to ensure that essential services are not compromised and that the needs of citizens are adequately addressed while putting the interests of the nation first and foremost.
“Through the implementation of Oronsaye’s report, President Tinubu aims to achieve significant cost savings by eliminating duplication of functions, streamlining administrative processes, and optimizing resource allocation.
”This proactive approach will enable government operate more efficiently while maintaining quality and delivery of services to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The minister, who said Nigerians are beginning to see benefits of reforms being spearheaded by the president in various sectors, stressed that reports from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, indicated that Nigeria witnessed a GDP growth of 3.46% in the fourth quarter of 2023, against 2.54% recorded in the third quarter of 2022.
- He said the NBS report also stated that capital importation rose to 66% in the fourth quarter of 2023, reversing a 36% decline in the third quarter, adding that petrol importation had been reduced by 50% since withdrawal of fuel subsidy, while the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index crossed the 100,000 mark – its highest ever.
He said achievements being recorded in the economy were not merely a stroke of luck but mainly due to the pragmatic reforms initiated by the President, which inspired investor confidence in the economy.