Edo reduces the number of government ministries and departmental agencies

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved a restructuring that will reduce the number of government ministries, departments and agencies by more than 31%.

Communications and Guidance Commissioner Andrew Emwanta revealed this Wednesday during a briefing to reporters after the State Executive Council meeting.

The measure, Emwanta said, is to reduce waste in government and eliminate duplication of functions, but did not say whether this would lead to job losses.

Under the new arrangements, the state government reduced the number of ministries from 22 to 18.

In addition, the number of government ministries and agencies, otherwise known as MDAs, has been reduced from 105 to 72.

"During today's EXCO meeting, the Board received a memo from the Office of the State Government Secretary which was presented by the Head of Department, Anthony Okungbowa, for Restructuring and Streamlining of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Edo and was graciously endorsed by the Board.

"The details of this memo include the reduction of ministries from 22 to 18 and the reduction of MDAs from 105 to 72. The idea behind this is to reduce waste and avoid duplication of functions, especially when we we have an economic situation that requires caution on the part of the government.

“So if at the federal level there is talk of reducing its bureaucracy and MDAs, Edo State is now leading the way in giving voice. To this end, a new office has been established, the Office of special tasks which will be headed by a commissioner."

Mr. Emwanta said the government's action was due to the current economic situation in the country.

Apart from the security challenges plaguing the country, Nigeria is also facing a difficult economic situation with inflation rates soaring to a 17-year high.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the new inflation rate last week which raises concerns for the country's economy.

According to the SNB, Nigeria's inflation rate rose from 19.64% recorded in July to 20.52% in August, the highest since September 2005.

Edo is the fourth state with the highest external debt after Lagos, Kaduna and Cross River.

According to a report by BusinessDay, Edo State reduced its external debt to $276.3 million in December 2021 from $280.3 million the previous year. The state's external debt stood at $168.2 million as of December 2015.

The state communications commissioner said the new measures will reduce the burden on government and reduce the size of governance.

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