News
RMAFC Applauds President Tinubu’s Directive on Reducing Cost of Governance
…. Urges States to Follow Suit
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Dr. Muhammad Shehu Bello, OFR has commended President Bola Tinubu for his directive to reduce the size of the official convoys of ministers and chief executives in his administration as a means of reducing the high cost of governance, while urging state governments to also follow suit.
RMAFC’s Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in a statement over the weekend, said the decision would go a long way in reducing the high cost of governance, which is partly responsible for the reduction in the provision of infrastructure and social services and the consequent fall in investment, high level unemployment, and rising insecurity in the country.
He added that no society can make meaningful progress unless it develops a competent and cost-effective management system capable of maximizing the nation’s resources to the benefit of all.
He recalled that RMAFC had over the years not only advocated a reduction in the cost of governance as a way of preserving scarce resources for the sustainable development of the country but also proffered far-reaching suggestions and recommendations to government at all levels on the need to scale down on unnecessary expenditure and to monitor expenses on developmental projects that would impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.
According to Dr. Shehu, the high cost of governance in Nigeria was caused by the expensive nature of
large bureaucracy, the duplication of government ministries, departments and agencies, and endemic corruption.
The Chairman said: “Other factors were the high cost of public service delivery due to infrastructure failure, high security costs as a result of insurgencies, kidnappings, ethnoreligious agitations, armed robbery, multiple salaries and severance allowances, extravagant activities and expenditures, high domestic and foreign debts, as well as weak enforcement institutions.”
The Commission decries the high cost of governance in Nigeria over the years, which is alarming, unsustainable and has continued to generate public concern and discourse due to its negative implications on investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and the growth of the real sectors of the economy.
“The realization that all three (3) arms of government are involved is even more disturbing.The Commission has at different fora made its position known on this matter through paper presentations. It is evident that Nigeria’s cost of governance is among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has significantly hindered the government’s ability to fulfill its primary responsibilities such as infrastructural development, providing quality healthcare, improving educational standards, etc.”
In order to effectively reduce the overbearing high cost of governance in Nigeria, the Commission recommends the immediate implementation of the Orosanye report as earlier intended by the administration; a reduction in the number of political appointees as recommended in RMAFC’s remuneration package for Political & Public Office Holders; and ensuring prudent spending of government funds at all levels.
News
FRSC Corps Marshal Beseeches Traditional Rulers To Support Campaign Against Road Traffic Crashes
Joel Ajayi
In his efforts to enhance road safety across all roads in Nigeria, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed has emphasised the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, especially traditional institutions.
He made the emphasis in the course of his end of the year traffic monitoring on the nation’s highways when he visited His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo and Paramount Ruler of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State today 22 December, 2024.
The monitoring commenced from Abuja _Lokoja expressway through Obajana to Owo, Ondo State to ascertain the traffic situation on critical corridors. He solicited the support of the traditional ruler due to the strategic positioning of Owo town being a critical corridor that links South West to South South and North Central geopolitical zones of the country.
He believes that the influence and authority of traditional leaders within their communities are instrumental in promoting road safety awareness and encouraging compliance with traffic regulations.
By engaging traditional institutions, FRSC aims to leverage the respect and trust traditional leaders command to disseminate information about safe road practices, the dangers of speeding, and the necessity of vehicle maintenance.
This strategic partnership is part of a broader initiative by the FRSC to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities. By involving traditional rulers, the Corps seeks to create a more inclusive approach to road safety, recognizing that community-driven efforts can significantly complement governmental policies and enforcement measures.
In addition to collaborating with traditional leaders, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also called for the active participation of commuters and transport unions in preventing road crashes. He emphasised that passengers should speak out against reckless driving and that transport unions must lead by example in preventing overloading and alcohol/drug-impaired driving.
FRSC will continue to engage in public enlightenment campaigns, conduct research on road safety, and implement measures aimed at creating a safer motoring environment in Nigeria. The collaboration with traditional rulers is a testament to the Corps’ commitment to involving all segments of society in the quest for safer roads.
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