Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, stated that the president is prepared to dismiss any minister failing to meet set benchmarks, highlighting a firm commitment to enhancing various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, made it clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no reservations about dismissing any minister who fails to fulfill their responsibilities.
The speaker made this statement during a conversation with Channels Television, a prominent broadcasting corporation, on Monday,
Ngelale emphasized that prior to the formation of the ministerial cabinet, President Tinubu had already established several reform committees in all sectors of the economy.
Consequently, all ministers were provided with specific benchmarks that they are required to meet within a stipulated timeframe.
A Commitment to Oversight
He further clarified that these are firm benchmarks and the president is dedicated to personally overseeing the progress of his cabinet in meeting these objectives.
Energy Sector Reforms
The discussion about the reform committee reports brings to mind the recommendations made by the Energy and Natural Resources subcommittees of the Bola Tinubu’s Advisory Council in June 2023, as reported by Nairametrics.
The recommendations for the oil and gas sector include targeting a production capacity of 4 million barrels daily, 12 billion cubic feet daily (bcf/d) of gas, and 7,500kta of petrochemicals by 2030.
Removing policy-making roles from NNPCL, reducing its joint ventures to a minority position, and creating an operational model that eradicates cash calls with a targeted fundraise of $17.4 billion.
Enhancing domestic gas reserves and encouraging the development of a diversified oil and gas industry by implementing reforms in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) including the network code.
Plans for NNPCL
Moreover, in August 2023, Armstrong Takang, the Chief Executive Officer at Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), verified that the government is contemplating selling stakes in NNPCL and other national entities.
The ministry is evaluating various approaches, including strategic sales and initial public offerings, with the intention of executing the plan within an 18-month period.
Efforts to Reduce Governance Costs
During the same interview on August 28, Ngelale highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to implementing the Oronsaye report as part of his efforts to reduce governance costs.
He clearly stated that the increase in ministers does not contradict the president’s commitment to reduce governance expenses.
Tinubu assigned each minister to one crucial sector, unlike in the past when some ministers were responsible for multiple portfolios.
This approach eliminates any excuses for underperformance.
Oronsaye Report Summary
To recap, the Oronsaye report, published in 2014, revealed that there were 541 Federal Government parastatals, commissions, and agencies (both statutory and non-statutory) at the time.
It proposed reducing 263 statutory agencies to 161, abolishing 38 agencies, merging 52 agencies, and reverting 14 to departments within ministries.
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FAQs
What are the key benchmarks set for the energy sector?
The key benchmarks include a production capacity of 4 million barrels per day, 12 billion cubic feet per day of gas production capacity, and 7,500kta Petrochemicals capacity by 2030.
What is the Oronsaye report?
The Oronsaye report, published in 2014, is a document that recommended reducing the number of Federal Government parastatals, commissions, and agencies, abolishing some, merging others, and reverting some to departments within ministries.
What is the significance of the NNPCL?
The NNPC is a major entity in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The suggestions include stripping it of its policy-making functions, diminishing its joint ventures to a minority stake, and establishing an operational framework that eliminates cash calls.
What is the government’s plan for NNPCL and other national entities?
The government is considering selling stakes in NNPCL and other national entities through strategic sales and initial public offerings within 18 months.
What measures is President Tinubu taking to reduce governance costs?
President Tinubu is committed to implementing the Oronsaye report, which recommends reducing the number of government agencies, and has assigned each minister to one crucial sector to eliminate excuses for underperformance.
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