BusinessDay editorial of May 20, 2015 refers.
One percent of the budget for 100,000 pilgrims; 3 percent for 469 National Assembly members and 30 percent for 1.2 million civil servants is a study in how not to spend, not to mention the ongoing siphoning via NNPC which could even equal the entire national budget!
President Buhari ought to seize this cost of governance issue by the jugular.
A quick calculation identifies the National Assembly as the most expensive item. Until they set the tone by reducing “unquestioned and undisclosed” expenses, there will be no moral justification for tightening Nigerians’ belts.
Government is not set up to sponsor pilgrimages; that 1 percent is a quick save. Both Pilgrims’ Commissions should be privatised, pared down and excess staff reabsorbed into the civil service.
Yes, reabsorbed. Sacking 50 percent of civil servants is morally repugnant in a country where corruption has yielded rich dividends for some leaders. Sacking will only arouse bitterness towards the new government. (A proponent of mass sacking was himself known for hiring!) More money is saved by discarding perks (travel, entertainment, cars) and eliminating bloated procurement than by salary cuts and lay-offs.
Transparent human resources management can restructure the civil service fundamentally. An interim ban could be placed on recruitment while existing staff are redeployed to understaffed functions based on skills and abilities. Inefficiency in delivering service or utilising resources should lead to demotions (and lower pay).
And finally, sacking should be a swift penalty for any and all forms of corruption.
Osonduagwuike U. Uche
Lekki, Lagos.
