ActionAid seeks comprehensive cost-cutting strategies

The ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cost-cutting measures, particularly the reduction of official entourage on local and international travels.

The AAN Country Director, Mr Andrew Mamedu, on Thursday in Abuja said that the move is a commendable commitment to fiscal responsibility and aligns with the need for prudent management of public resources.

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“Merely reducing expenses on travel is insufficient to bring about the meaningful changes that Nigerians aspire for. There are additional measures that can enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the management of public funds, with the most crucial being the adoption of digital technology,” Mamedu said.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to mandate all tiers of government, including the National Assembly and ministries, to promote the use of virtual meetings and technology solutions for official engagements, reducing the necessity for physical travel.

He said, “In the spirit of cutting costs, President Tinubu should consider implementing an independent audit of government spending to identify areas of potential waste and inefficiency, ensuring a thorough and transparent review.”

He also recommended that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) should explore partnerships with reputable organisations for knowledge sharing and capacity development on effective cost-cutting strategies and to foster public participation in decision-making processes related to government spending, ensuring that citizens have a say in resource allocation.

“While reductions in official entourage and travel expenses are a step in the right direction, it is paramount to tackle other egregious areas of government expenditure. We demand an unambiguous stance on issues such as exorbitant senators’ salaries, the extravagant frequency of changing cars and houses, and excessive sitting allowances amongst others.

“We reiterate that this paradigm shift should not be confined to the federal level alone; the President must diligently ensure that it extends to both the Legislative and Judicial arms of the Government ensuring that they meticulously review their expenditures so that the cost cutting measures permeate every echelon of leadership,” Mamedu said.