In continuation of his efforts to cut the costs of running government, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has decided to reduce the number of commissioners to only 13, as against the 24 that were appointed by the previous government. One of the casualties is the Ministry of Information, which has been scrapped.

A statement issued today by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said the governor will also place strict limits on the number of aides that the 13 commissioners can recruit to support the discharge of their duties.

El-Rufai has repeatedly stated that the Kaduna State Government must direct more of its resources to delivering public services, and that such a move requires a reduction in the proportion consumed by government.

Accordingly, the Kaduna State Government has announced the restructuring of its ministries from 19 to 13. This is intended to cut costs, spur efficiency and improve service delivery. The statement said that the machinery of government will now be driven by the following ministries:

1. Justice

2. Agriculture and Forestry

3. Commerce, Industry and Tourism

4. Local Government

5. Youth, Sports and Culture

6. Environment and Natural Resources

7. Women Affairs and Social Development

8. Water Resources

9. Health and Human Services

10. Education, Science and Technology

11. Budget and Planning

12. Finance

13. Works, Housing and Transport

The realignment of mandates has also resulted in the emergence of two new departments. The erstwhile Ministry of Lands, Survey and Country Planning is being moved to the Governor’s Office as a department. Similarly, the former Ministry of Rural and Community Development becomes a department in the Deputy Governor’s Office.

Also affected by the restructuring is the Ministry of Information whose functions have now been decentralised. Each ministry will henceforth have its own public relations unit attached to the office of its chief executive.

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.