Nigerian government reassures citizens about job security

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reassured the public that there will be no job losses in the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which aims to streamline government agencies and parastatals.

Mr Idris made this statement in Abuja on Wednesday at the fourth edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series.

President Bola Tinubu recently directed the implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye Report, which proposes the consolidation of certain federal government agencies and the elimination of others.

“The government’s goal is to reduce costs and enhance service efficiency. This does not mean that the government intends to lay off workers or increase unemployment,” Mr Idris explained.

The minister emphasized that the implementation of the report, which has been pending for approximately 11 years, underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and responsible governance by conducting a thorough review of the government’s commissions, agencies, and parastatals.

He noted that the approval for the report’s implementation, following a meticulous review, is aimed at ensuring essential services are maintained and citizens’ needs are met, with the nation’s interests as the top priority.

“By implementing the Oronsaye Report, President Tinubu aims to achieve significant cost savings, eliminate redundant functions, streamline administrative processes, and optimize resource allocation. This proactive approach will enhance government efficiency while upholding service quality for the Nigerian people,” he stated.

Mr Idris highlighted the positive effects of the president’s reforms in various sectors, citing statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing GDP growth and increased capital importation and other economic indicators.

He credited the achievements in the economy to the president’s pragmatic reforms, which have inspired confidence in the Nigerian economy among investors.

The minister also mentioned President Tinubu’s directive for the development of a Social Security Unemployment Programme to support unemployed graduates and a Social Consumer Credit Scheme to boost consumer purchasing power during temporary economic challenges.

Additionally, after a review of the National Social Investment Programme, the president has approved the resumption of direct payments to 15 million households.

Rabiu IbrahimSpecial Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National OrientationFebruary 28, 2024