Speak Out Africa Initiative Demands Immediate Action to Reduce Cost of Governance in Nigeria

The lead Director of Speak Out Africa Initiative, Kenneth Eze, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the reduction of the cost of governance. Eze emphasized the need to transcend political considerations and focus on the urgent task at hand.

In a press briefing held in Abuja yesterday, Eze called for stringent measures to cut down on government spending.

He added that these measures include streamlining ministerial and commissioner portfolios, with a particular emphasis on abolishing the minister-for-state position, as well as curbing the extravagant convoy privileges enjoyed by political officeholders.

The Speak Out Africa Initiative has launched the “Governance Tracker” project, CRIG.ng, aimed at holding public officeholders accountable and promoting cost-effective governance at all levels, from federal to state and local governments.

Eze highlighted the severe hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians due to decisions made by previous leaders, such as the removal of fuel subsidies without addressing the state of refineries and increasing school fees, disproportionately affecting the poorest members of society.

He condemned the insensitivity of political leaders who appear to prioritize their own benefits over the welfare of the citizens, exemplified by the self-allocation of funds meant for the poorest segments of the population.

They made Urgent Recommendations for the Government which entitles, “ Implement measures to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians, which has led to a staggering inflation rate of 22.79% as of June 2023. Drastically reduce the number of cabinet ministers, completely eliminating the minister-for-state positions.

“ Act immediately on the Oransanya report to merge overlapping ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure a sustainable and efficient government structure. Call on state Governors to trim down the number of commissioners and advisers to reduce the overall cost of governance.

“ Demand political and public officeholders to scale back on their extravagant convoys and entourages, which add unnecessary financial burdens. Reverse the unjustifiable 114% salary increment for public officeholders, given the current hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.”

The Speak Out Africa Initiative unequivocally states that Nigeria cannot afford to delay these crucial actions any longer. It is time for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over political considerations and take decisive steps to reduce the cost of governance, thereby alleviating the burdens faced by the people.