The federal government has urged Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies at the Federal and State levels to replicate efficiency units to save cost of governance.
The head, Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Adebusola Ajibode, made the appeal while speaking at a one-day Sensitization Exercise on Cost Saving Measures for South-South held at ICT Resource Centre, Uyo Akwa Ibom State on Monday.
She said the need to adopt cost-cutting measures become necessary, especially at this period when expenditure is running more than the actual revenue of government, adding that some developed countries such as UK and US were able to manage their economy when expenditure exceeded revenue during the pandemic.
“The Efficiency Unit plays a critical role in enhancing the prudent and transparent management of public resources in Nigeria. By promoting efficiency, reducing wastage, and improving value for money in government spending, the unit contributes significantly towards achieving the nation’s development goals.
“There are developed countries that were able to manage their economy when expenditure rose above income. Countries like the US and UK, during the pandemic, experienced huge increases in government spending. The Treasury ask departments to set out to achieve efficiency in savings.
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“We urge Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies at both the federal and state levels to replicate efficiency units in order to save cost. Those that don’t have can write to us and we will go there and train them”.
She expressed the hope that with insightful presentations, interactive sessions, and practical case studies, participants would be equipped with knowledge and tools to contribute to the efficiency and effective use of public resources.
Also speaking, Mr Oche Omafu of the Efficiency Units of the ministry noted that the essence of government is to improve the welfare of citizens in line with social contract between the government and its citizens.
He regretted however that expenditure is growing faster than government revenue hence the need to reduce cost to meet necessary obligations of governments
“What affects Nigeria as a nation affects individual homes in terms of effective management as it applies to borrowing, borrowing is an indication of ineffective management and poor cost-cutting measures among MDAs,” he said.
