From Joe Effiong, Uyo
The federal government has urged ministries, departments and government agencies at all levels to adopt measures such as the replication of efficiency units in order to save cost.
The head, Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Adebusola Ajibode, who made the appeal while speaking at a one day Sensitisation Exercise on Cost Saving Measures for South South in Uyo, on Monday.
said the need to adopt cost cutting measures has become necessary especially at this period when expenditure is running more than the actual revenue of government .
Ajibode explained that some developed countries such as UK and US were able to manage their economy when expenditure exceeded revenue during the pandemic.
According to her; “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 rose above income. Countries like US, UK, during the pandemic experienced huge increase in government spending . The Treasury ask departments to set out to achieve efficiency in savings.
“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.
Mr Oche Omafu, an officer 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 government and it citizens
He regretted however that expenditure is growing faster than government revenue hence the need to reduce cost to meet necessary obligation of governments
“What affects Nigeria as a nation affect 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.