LCCI Tasks FG on Clear Action Plan for Implementation

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) urged the federal government to provide a clear action plan for the implementation of the Oronsaye Report. LCCI stated this yesterday in a public statement, titled the “LCCI Statement on Cost of Governance,” signed by its Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona. 

The statement commended the federal government for taking the long awaited decision to implement the report at a time Nigerians were clamouring for a reduction in the cost of governance in the face of harsh economic conditions.

The statement said, “Beyond the excitement that greeted this pronouncement by the government, there is a need to see a clear action plan for the implementation model that avoids an over-bloated structure, which worsens bureaucracy and reduces the chance of service inefficiency due to loss of expertise.

“This transformative journey calls for a deep commitment and a strong will on the part of the federal government to implement the report.

“There are issues that can be addressed almost immediately, while issues bordering on regulatory and legislative frameworks can be taken through the legally required processes within the shortest time possible.

“It would be important for Nigerians to begin to see quick actions regarding implementation immediately.”

LCCI also presented some recommendations it said would ensure the report was implemented in the best interest of all Nigerians. They included the establishment of a steering committee that would comprise some members of the Oronsaye committee, as much as it was feasible, to ensure continuity. It added that “effective implementation requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.

“Therefore, there should be robust communication and publicity throughout the implementation process. This will enhance transparency and accountability.”

Almona said in the statement that the emerging new structure and composition should have clear definitions of functions, protocols, and reporting lines.

According to the statement, “In addition to the clearly defined functions, inter-agency and inter-ministerial engagement should be encouraged.

“As the new structure emerges, we recommend that the ministries return to their core function of policy formulation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting while the agencies under them do the implementation of such policies.

“The National Assembly is a very critical stakeholder in this exercise and needs to be fully involved and interested in supporting the implementation.

“The laws that established the agencies would need to be reviewed, some would be repealed, and new ones formulated and signed into law.”

the LCCI also recommended “periodic reviews and appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to keep implementation on track.

It said government should, “Make necessary adjustments to the execution activities based on changing economic conditions, emerging challenges, and new data.”

The LCCI also tasked state governors and Houses of Assembly to implement similar programmes for a much higher national impact.