The Federal Government has inaugurated a 16-member committee on the review of the structure of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) following the recent merger of some key ministries.

Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), while inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, said the action was critical to achieve the desired results.

She said that it was appropriate to ensure seamless transition and operations of the affected ministries and agencies.

“In this regard, there is need to establish effective structures for the ministries, including proper absorption of their existing personnel as well as ensuring that they get running without much delay.

“Accordingly, government has constituted this committee comprising knowledgably retired and serving public officers to review the structure of the merged ministries.

“It is a very sensitive assignment which calls for your time and commitment, this is another opportunity for us to re-set the public service to meet the present government`s change objective.”

According to the HOS, the committee is to carry out a review of each ministry`s functions and responsibilities and determine the appropriate functions to avoid overlap.

She said it was also to assess the current organisational structure of each ministry and recommend an improved structure for efficient and effective service delivery.

Oyo-Ita said the committee was also expected to examine the nominal rolls of MDAs and make appropriate recommendations for effective deployment of staff.

She said that it was also to identify and align mandates of the 25 existing ministries in line with government priority and change agenda.

The HOS said the committee was also to examine and recommend the distribution of the existing assets and liabilities of the MDAs and advise government on other matters.

Oyo-Ita said the present government’s primary objective was the effectiveness and efficiency of its institutions for delivering public service to meet the needs of the people.

She explained that the merger of some MDAs by the Federal Government was to ensure better coordination, improved service delivery and improved implementation of sectoral programmes.

Oyo-Ita said that there was no doubt that the functions of some ministries and their agencies were expanded while others were required to realign focus.

She implored the committee members to bring their experiences to bear on the assignment and work to ensure proper restructuring and merger of the affected MDAs.

The committee, headed by Mrs Ebele Okeke, a former HOS, comprises former heads of service as well as retired and serving permanent secretaries.

Okeke, on behalf of the committee members, said although the merger was meant to save cost for government and put the right persons together, it was faced with challenges.

She, however, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve and promised that the committee would ensure that it delivered on its mandate.

The committee, which has Mr Ochapa Ogenyi as Secretary, has two weeks to complete its assignment.

Other members of the committee include Alhaji Isa Sali, Alhaji Bukar Goni, Dr Hakeem Ahmed, Mr Sylvester Arikawe, Alhaji Tukur Ingawa, Dr Habiba Lawal, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar and Dr Joe Abbah.

Others are Mr Innocent Ogbonnaya and Mrs Nuratu Batagarawa among others.

The HOS, however, said that the committee`s tenure might be extended if necessary.

Following the restructuring of the ministries on Nov. 11, the number of ministries was reduced from 31 to 25 while the number of permanent secretaries was reduced from 42 to 36 (NAN)

•Photo shows Acting HoS, Winifred Oyo-Ita.