The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that the deployment of Information Communication Technology ( ICT) in duties of Public Accounts Committee in the legislature is imperative to enhance transparency and accountability in the oversight of public finance.
Abbas stated this, on Monday, in Abuja, while speaking at the formal opening of the digitalized hearing room of the House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) and unveiling of its quarterly magazine, PAC News.
The speaker noted that the House appreciates the place of technology in engendering good governance, as well as inclusiveness. Consequently, he stated the House will amend its Standing Orders to facilitate the use of ICT in the receipt and processing of public petitions.
According to him “Advanced digital tools and platforms streamline data analysis, facilitate real-time monitoring, and ensure comprehensive documentation of proceedings, thereby making the oversight process more effective and accessible.
“The Nigerian House of Representatives is deeply committed to this goal, recognizing that leveraging technology is crucial for fostering good governance and inclusive participation. By investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously updating our technological capabilities, we aim to set a benchmark in legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people.
“In line with the above, the House will commence the process of amending its Standing Orders to accommodate e-petitions and facilitate the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in receiving and processing public petitions.
“This transformative step will be first of its kind in Nigeria and will enable more efficient, transparent, and accessible petition procedures, allowing citizens to engage with the legislative process more effectively.
“By integrating ICT, we aim to ensure that every voice can be heard and considered promptly, thus reinforcing our dedication to a responsive and accountable governance system that truly serves the interests of the Nigerian people.”
Earlier, the chairman, PAC, Bamidele Salam, stated that that the digitalization of the committee will help to enhance its oversight function.
“I am bold to say that this innovation will enhance our oversight capabilities and accelerate our processes, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging issues and concerns, thereby reducing administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks which have been some of the major challenges we face as a committee.
“These landmark innovations also mark a significant step forward in our quest to support the 10th House of Representatives’ vision of open parliament through transparency, digitalization, and citizens’ engagement, in line with agenda 1 (Strengthening Good Governance) and 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda.
“This digitalized hearing room, equipped with digital technologies such as laptops with over 100 resources, unlimited internet facilities, large-screen multimedia, and other technical devices for e-hearing, represents a major milestone in our committee’s history. I am proud to say that we are now better equipped to discharge our constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Through this platform, we will be able to:
• Conduct virtual hearings and meetings, reducing the need for physical presence and increasing our reach and accessibility.
• Access and review documents and pieces of evidence submitted/presented by Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) of government electronically, streamlining our review process and reducing paperwork.
• Engage with stakeholders and the public in real-time, increasing transparency and public participation.
• Track and monitor our progress on recommendations and resolutions, ensuring accountability and proper follow-up.
“As I said above, this newly digitalized hearing room has been equipped with laptops with over 100 resources including but not limited to:
• Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1960 to 2024);
• Legislative Law Reports (1987 to 2023);
• Judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (1960 to 2024);
• Judgments on Customary Laws of Nigeria (1960 to 2013);
• Law journals and others of all Nigerian Universities on the Bold Scholar website;
• Standing Orders and Bills of the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives, 2023 till date;
• Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the website of the National Library of Nigeria;
• E-copies of all the debates of legislative bodies of Nigeria from 1914 till 1999 on the E-library of the National Institute of Legislative Studies, Abuja.
• And many other laws relevant to the work of the Public Accounts Committee.
“As we take a significant step forward in harnessing technology to drive good governance, transparency, and accountability, I am bold to say that this innovation will enhance our oversight capabilities and accelerate our processes, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging issues and concerns, thereby reducing administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks which have been some of the major challenges we face as a committee.
“The maiden edition of the PAC News, a quarterly magazine is another innovative intervention of the committee. It represents a significant milestone in our efforts to deepen our engagement with the media and civil society, as well as expand the scope of our communication with MDAs, thereby strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance. By launching this publication, we aim to:
• Foster a sustained relationship with the media, civil society, and partners/stakeholders.
• Enhance our communication with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government.
• Provide a platform for sharing our work, achievements, and challenges.
• Facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices in public financial management.
• Promote transparency and accountability in governance.
“This 32-page full-colour magazine will serve as a vital link between our committee and the public, ensuring that our work is digitally accessible and understandable to all. We believe that an informed public is essential to our collective quest for good governance and sustainable development.
“On a note of appreciation and gratitude, I would like to thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, and the entire leadership of the House for the trust reposed in this Committee since our inauguration a year ago and the support given to us to deliver on our mandates excellently. Your immense support to this committee in technical, human capital, and financial resources is deeply appreciated.
“Similarly, I express my gratitude to my esteemed colleagues on the Committee who have been very supportive and cooperative since the inception of this tedious assignment of legislative oversight till date. The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Jeremiah Umaru, a chartered accountant, and other esteemed members who are seasoned professionals from different backgrounds, such as banking and finance, law, media and communications, science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) as well as business administration and management have been particularly instrumental to the speedy process of the committee’s activities and the successes recorded thus far.
“I equally use this medium to appreciate the support and cooperation of our partners and stakeholders such as the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), and several others. Our technical consultants, civil society organizations, and the media are duly acknowledged and appreciated for their collaborations and partnerships. The likes of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), the OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative, and several media outlets are profoundly appreciated for their immense support and contributions to our media reportage and digital footprints.
“Lastly, I want to specially thank the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for their great support in bringing the digitalization of our hearing room project to life with the provision of laptops and unlimited internet facilities. We look forward to your continued support as we strive to make our committee’s work more accessible and impactful.
“In conclusion, I want to applaud our secretariat, ably headed by the Clerk, Mr. Femi Titus Ogunsanya for their tireless efforts in making this vision a reality. Thank you, and let us continue to work together to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” Salam stated
