Introduction
Nigeria’s bureaucratic system is plagued by duplication, inefficiency, and excessive government spending, which drains public resources and hampers economic development. The country currently has over 900 federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), many of which have overlapping functions, leading to massive inefficiencies, corruption, and fiscal irresponsibility.
A Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), modeled after the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Financial Reporting Council (FRC), and similar global initiatives, would be tasked with auditing, restructuring, and eliminating wasteful government operations.
This article presents facts, data, and compelling examples to illustrate the urgent need for DOGE in Nigeria.
- The Problem: A Bloated Bureaucracy and Wastage
Duplication of Government Agencies
Many MDAs perform similar functions but exist separately, each with its own budget, administrative structure, and workforce. The result is excessive spending, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and corruption.
Some of the worst offenders include:
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
Duplicated by: Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
Both agencies receive budgetary allocations for the same technology development projects, wasting billions.
Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT)
Duplicated by: National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
Both agencies claim responsibility for satellite deployment, leading to overlapping contracts and mismanaged funds.
Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA)
Duplicated by: National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)
Both agencies handle border security and community development, yet Nigeria’s borders remain porous.
Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA)
Duplicated by: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing
Despite both agencies receiving funds for road maintenance, Nigeria’s roads remain among the worst in Africa.
Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI)
Duplicated by: Federal Ministry of Science and Technology
Both agencies conduct parallel research on construction methods, leading to unnecessary funding duplication.
Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC)
Duplicated by: Budget Office of the Federation, Debt Management Office (DMO), National Planning Commission (NPC)
These agencies all monitor Nigeria’s fiscal policies, yet debt levels keep rising due to poor coordination.
The Oronsaye Report (2012): A Blueprint Ignored
The Oronsaye Report identified 541 overlapping federal agencies and recommended reducing them to 161, which could save trillions of naira annually. Successive governments failed to implement these recommendations, allowing waste and corruption to persist.
Without urgent reform, the cost of governance will continue to cripple Nigeria’s economy.
- The Cost of Government Profligacy
Runaway Recurrent Expenditure
In 2024, Nigeria allocated ₦8.27 trillion (50% of the total budget) to salaries and overheads for government workers. The public sector wage bill consumes 40-45% of total government revenue annually. Redundant MDAs divert funds from critical areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Extravagant Government Spending
Nigeria’s presidential fleet consists of 10 aircraft, costing taxpayers ₦8 billion annually in maintenance. In contrast, the UK Prime Minister and Canadian Prime Minister use commercial flights or a single official aircraft.
Lawmakers and political officeholders enjoy excessive allowances, including:
Hardship allowance (50% of annual salary)
Furniture allowance (300% of annual salary)
Severance gratuity (300% of annual salary)
Constituency projects, often diverted or mismanaged, wasting billions annually.
The Opportunity Cost
If these excesses were eliminated, Nigeria could:
Fund free education for millions of children.
Build world-class hospitals in every state.
Invest in power, water, and infrastructure projects to boost industrialization.
- How Other Nations Cut Bureaucratic Waste
United Kingdom – Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG)
In 2010, the UK created ERG to eliminate waste, merge agencies, and improve efficiency. Between 2010 and 2015, ERG saved the UK government £52 billion.
United States – Government Accountability Office (GAO)
GAO audits agencies and identifies wasteful duplication. Between 2011 and 2022, the US saved $136 billion by cutting overlapping programs.
China – Bureaucratic Streamlining
Between 1982 and 2008, China reduced ministries from over 100 to just 26. The result was massive cost savings, better efficiency, and faster decision-making.
Nigeria must learn from these examples and establish DOGE to cut waste.
- The Role of DOGE in Nigeria
Key Functions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
- Conduct a Nationwide Audit to identify and eliminate redundant MDAs.
- Implement the Oronsaye Report and enforce agency mergers.
- Cut excessive government spending, including salaries, allowances, and fleets.
- Set clear performance benchmarks for government agencies.
- Automate services to reduce workforce redundancy and improve service delivery.
- Potential Savings and Benefits
Projected Annual Savings with DOGE
₦2-3 trillion from merging or scrapping redundant MDAs.
₦500 billion from reducing the presidential fleet and excessive allowances.
₦1 trillion+ from reducing the public sector wage bill through automation and restructuring.
What These Savings Could Fund
Free primary & secondary education for all Nigerian children.
Revival of collapsed hospitals and construction of new ones.
Roads, electricity, and clean water projects across Nigeria.
Private-sector-led industrialization to create millions of jobs.
- Conclusion: Time for Action
Nigeria’s current governance structure is wasteful, duplicative, and unsustainable. Without urgent reforms, the country risks economic collapse due to excessive government spending.
A Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would audit, streamline, and restructure Nigeria’s public sector, saving trillions of naira. The Oronsaye Report already provided a blueprint, but political will is needed to implement it fully.
Immediate Actions Needed:
Merge redundant MDAs and eliminate waste.
Cut profligate spending on allowances and luxury fleets.
Redirect funds to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Nigeria must not continue wasting public funds while millions suffer. It’s time to prioritize efficiency and accountability in governance.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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