e-Legislation: Nigerian House of Representatives will deploy ICT tools for responsive, accountable governance –Speaker

*Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, discloses the House will commence the process of amending its Standing Orders to accommodate e-petitions, and facilitate the use of ICT tools in receiving and processing public petitions to make the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly more accessible to the citizens

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In line with activating the Nigeria Digital Economy agenda in the Federal Legislature, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, says the lower legislative chamber, in the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, FCT, will soon amend its standing rules to allow Nigerians to send their petitions through e-platforms.

ConsumerConnect reports Hon. Abbas stated this Monday, July 15, 2024, at the inauguration of the digitalised hearing room of the House Committee on Public Accounts and the unveiling of the PAC news magazine.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives said the country’s Parliament should be accessible to Nigerians in line with its legislative agenda of upholding accountability.

He also assured: “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 the 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.

Abbas further noted: “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.”

Significance of ICT integration into legislative process

Harping on the importance of adopting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in the work of the Federal legislators, Rt. Hon. Abbas said the integration of ICT into the work of the public Accounts committee would enhance accessibility, transparency and efficiency.

He stated: “These initiatives are part of the activities marking the first anniversary of the 10th House of Representatives, ‘The People’s House’.

“They are also integral to our legislative agenda, which prioritises good governance by leveraging technology and digital media to ensure that legislative processes are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.”

The Speaker explained: “According to our recently unveiled one-year scorecard, the public accounts committee alone accounted for 96 of the total committee meetings, representing 19 percent of the 502 meetings held by our committees in the first session of the house.

“Your oversight activities on issues arising from house resolutions, such as the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds by MDAs, the investigation of revenue leakages through the Remita platform, and other referred petitions, highlight the seriousness to attach to your oversight functions.”

We’re poised to foster good governance, inclusive participation, says Abbas

The Federal legislator noted: “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 House of Representatives is “deeply committed” to leveraging technology to foster good governance and inclusive participation, said he.

According to Abbas, by investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously updating the House technological capabilities, the Lower Chamber of NASS aims to set a benchmark in legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people.

House aims to improve public engagement: Salam, Committee Chair

In his remarks on the occasion, Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Committee, said the digitalised hearing room and PAC magazine are aimed at improving public engagement.

The legislator stated: “This digitalised 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.”

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