The federal government has initiated a significant “right-sizing” policy aimed at optimizing its administrative structure, cutting costs, and improving operational efficiency. As part of this austerity-driven move, 4,816 positions spanning grades one to 22 across various federal ministries, divisions, and their departments have been abolished. Additionally, 1,954 positions were marked as “dying posts,” summing up to a total of 6,770 eliminated positions. This policy aligns with the decision made by the Federal Cabinet on August 27, 2024, which focused on reducing administrative overhead and trimming down the Federation’s overall expenses.
Breakdown of Abolished Positions by Grade
The abolished positions reflect a cross-section of grades within the federal structure, affecting both high-ranking and lower-tier roles. The breakdown is as follows:
- Grade 22: 2 positions
- Grade 20: 22 positions
- Grade 19: 69 positions
- Grade 18: 93 positions
- Grade 17: 270 positions
- Grade 16: 325 positions
- Grade 15: 122 positions
- Grade 14: 382 positions
- Grade 13: 155 positions
- Grade 12: 26 positions
- Grade 11: 11 positions
- Grade 10: 29 positions
- Grade 9: 862 positions
- Grade 8: 28 positions
- Grade 7: 360 positions
- Grade 6: 14 positions
- Grade 5: 86 positions
- Grade 4: 261 positions
- Grade 3: 80 positions
- Grade 2: 419 positions
- Grade 1: 957 positions
The overall distribution highlights that the policy’s impact is widespread across various levels, from junior to senior posts.
Gazetted and Non-Gazetted Posts
The right-sizing policy also classified posts as either gazetted or non-gazetted, marking specific ones as “dying posts.” These dying posts will not be filled once vacated by current employees, effectively phasing them out from the government structure over time. In total, 4,360 non-gazetted positions and 456 gazetted positions were abolished, with the remaining posts earmarked as dying posts. This targeted approach helps to streamline roles that are deemed redundant or obsolete, reducing the burden on federal resources.
Among the dying posts, the breakdown across grades includes the following:
- Grade 18: 10 positions
- Grade 17: 12 positions
- Grade 16: 147 positions
- Grade 15: 15 positions
- Grade 14: 199 positions
- Grade 13: 92 positions
- Grade 12: 7 positions
- Grade 11: 194 positions
- Grade 10: 5 positions
- Grade 9: 215 positions
- Grade 8: 5 positions
- Grade 7: 95 positions
- Grade 6: 7 positions
- Grade 5: 71 positions
- Grade 4: 235 positions
- Grade 3: 13 positions
- Grade 2: 63 positions
- Grade 1: 63 positions
This structured approach facilitates a gradual reduction in staff without abrupt disruptions to existing workflows or essential services.
Reasons Behind Right-Sizing and Cost-Cutting Measures
The implementation of the right-sizing policy comes at a time when the government is focused on fiscal prudence and sustainable expenditure management. The move to abolish and reclassify positions within the federal framework stems from an intent to curb redundant administrative layers and streamline services. By limiting expenditures tied to redundant or low-utility roles, the government aims to enhance productivity and reduce the strain on the national budget.
This decision aligns with the broader objectives of reducing the federal administrative footprint. Furthermore, the removal of these roles also signals a shift towards a leaner government structure, with a particular focus on reallocating resources where they are most needed.
Implementation and Future Steps
In response to the Federal Cabinet’s directive, the ministries and divisions across the government have already begun the process of adjusting their organizational structures in line with the newly issued guidelines. The Establishment Division has taken on the role of coordinating and monitoring the right-sizing initiative, ensuring that each department follows through on the cabinet’s resolution. By overseeing the implementation, the Establishment Division plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and consistency across federal entities.
The elimination of these positions is expected to reduce financial burdens significantly, but further steps are anticipated as the government assesses the policy’s impact. Additional measures may include performance evaluations to determine the effectiveness of right-sizing and identifying other areas for potential optimization.
Impact on Federal Workforce and Public Services
For many within the federal workforce, the right-sizing policy has introduced new dynamics to their roles. Non-gazetted and lower-grade employees are particularly affected, as the majority of abolished positions fall within these categories. The policy encourages a shift towards a skills-based workforce, prioritizing roles that contribute directly to core functions and public services.
However, the right-sizing initiative has raised concerns about potential impacts on the efficiency of federal departments. Public services that rely on staffing at various levels may feel the strain if critical positions are vacated and phased out without replacement. Consequently, federal agencies will need to balance the right-sizing policy with measures to ensure that key services remain uninterrupted and accessible to the public.
The Path Toward a Streamlined Federal Structure
The right-sizing policy reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and a more efficient administrative framework. By reducing the number of posts across different levels, the government aims to realign federal functions with current needs, ultimately achieving a more cost-effective structure. While this policy underscores a transformative approach to public administration, the focus will need to remain on sustaining quality public services and ensuring that core functions are unaffected by staffing reductions.
The implementation of this policy serves as a reminder that government structures, like any large organization, must evolve in response to changing financial conditions and service demands. Through careful planning and coordination, the right-sizing initiative has the potential to foster a leaner, more responsive government that better serves the public. As the government moves forward, continued attention to efficiency, adaptability, and service quality will be essential in realizing the benefits of this reform while addressing any challenges that arise.
