After twelve long years of procrastination, Nigeria is finally on the brink of a significant governmental overhaul. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to initiate the restructuring, rationalization, relocation, and scrapping of the bloated ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government is a bold and commendable move in Nigeria’s best interests. However, this should only mark the beginning of a broader reform agenda, particularly aimed at reducing the excessively large cabinet.
Back in 2012, the Federal Government possessed 541 MDAs. Shockingly, this number has now ballooned to over 900, driven by political whims rather than pragmatic necessity. The Steven Oronsaye panel report, which recommended reducing statutory agencies to 161 from 263, provides a blueprint for streamlining operations by merging, scrapping, and relocating various entities. President Tinubu’s administration has set a timeline of three months for implementation—a welcome commitment to action.
Under the leadership of George Akume, the panel tasked with consolidating overlapping functions across 29 MDAs into 15 is a crucial step forward. Merging institutions such as the Nigerian Army University with the Nigerian Defence Academy is a sensible move, addressing the proliferation of universities created without adequate funding or strategic foresight. Furthermore, integrating agencies within ministries like infrastructure, agriculture, health, and aviation will enhance efficiency and eliminate redundancy.
The anticipated downsizing is not merely symbolic; it is expected to yield substantial financial savings. Originally estimated at N241 billion annually, recent reports suggest potential savings of N862 billion—a significant sum that can be further maximized by eliminating overstaffing and redundant positions within the restructured MDAs.
Unlike his predecessors, Tinubu must not succumb to procrastination or political expediency. Previous directives to implement the Oronsaye report have fallen by the wayside, eroding public trust in government pronouncements. Given the harsh economic realities facing Nigeria, Tinubu must demonstrate decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to reform.
However, MDAs restructuring alone will not suffice. Tinubu must pursue broader reforms, including reducing the number of ministries and eliminating redundant portfolios. Following the example of Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who halved his cabinet size and achieved a remarkable budget surplus within weeks of assuming office, Tinubu should aim for similarly ambitious targets to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy.
By demonstrating strong political will and decisive action, Tinubu can pave the way for a leaner, more efficient government—one that prioritizes fiscal responsibility and economic revitalization. It’s time to turn rhetoric into reality and deliver tangible results for the Nigerian people.
