The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has described the National Assembly as the most underfunded arm of the Nigerian government, contrary to the widespread perception that it is overfunded. Abbas made this assertion during the launch of three legislative digital platforms at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
The digital platforms, developed by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), include the Bill Tracking Website, the Legislative Tracker, and the Legislative Resources Repository. These platforms aim to provide citizens with comprehensive and user-friendly access to legislative information in Nigeria.
According to Abbas, who was represented by Amadi Victor Obuzor, the National Assembly’s funding challenges have been corroborated by development partners who have conducted assessments and investigations. “Many Nigerians believe erroneously that the National Assembly is overfunded. Sadly, the National Assembly is the most underfunded arm of the government,” Abbas stated.
The Speaker emphasized that the digital platforms would help change people’s perceptions about the institution and provide an opportunity for citizens to understand the realities of legislative processes and challenges faced by the National Assembly. The Bill Tracking Website allows users to monitor the progress of bills within the National Assembly, offering access to their current status, full text, and relevant analyses.
The Legislative Tracker provides comprehensive information on legislative activities and progress, while the Legislative Resources Repository offers a centralized database of legislative documents and information. These platforms are designed to inform citizens and stakeholders through infographics and commentary on selected bills.
Omolara Akinyeye, PLAC’s Deputy Executive Director, explained that the platforms are expected to bridge the information gap between the legislature and the public, promoting transparency and legislative efficiency across Nigeria. The digital initiative is a significant step towards enhancing public participation in the legislative process.
The launch of these platforms highlights the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By providing citizens with easy access to legislative information, the National Assembly aims to promote a better understanding of its activities and decisions.
The underfunding of the National Assembly has significant implications for its effectiveness and ability to carry out its constitutional functions. With inadequate funding, the institution may struggle to support its operations, including committee activities, research, and public engagement.
The National Assembly’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability through digital platforms are commendable, and it is hoped that these initiatives will help to improve the institution’s effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians.
