Speaker of the House of representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, recently stated that the oversight of the National Assembly, responsible for holding the other arms of government accountable is significant to the democracy of Nigeria. He also asserted that the 10th Assembly will ensure accountability to the public. This information was revealed at a one-day workshop, organized by the Directorate of Planning and Legislative Budget of the National Assembly, on “Assessment of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy of Nigeria and the Role of Legislature”.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget, Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio, the speaker said that it was in accordance with the agenda of the 10th Assembly to ensure that there is proper management of the country’s commonwealth for the good of every Nigerian, through oversight. It was also stated that a key part of the constitutional responsibility of the Legislature, which is known as the oversight, is the act of evaluation and monitoring.
Assessment of the performance of government policies is assured.
He added that as the representatives of Nigerian citizens, the Legislature sees to it that the accountability of the government remains intact in aspects of utilization of funds and implementation of policies and laws, which is done through oversight. He further explained that these policies and laws are classifications of the aspirations and hopes of the people of Nigeria. Thus, ensuring accountability is an essential function that is significant to democracy as a government of the people.
According to Speaker Abbas, monitoring and evaluation is a national policy and a framework devised as a means to institutionalize culture of good governance and standard practices in accountability and public investment to improve the socio-economic development of the society. With the policy, assessment of the performance of government policies is possible as it helps the government with identification of successful areas and improvement of strategies in the application of resources towards achievement of good governance.
Committees are now compulsorily required to make quarterly reports.
As the legislative arm of the government, the National Assembly is an essential democratic institution saddled with the constitutional responsibility of carrying out the evaluation and monitoring of executive bodies, according to the provision of Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution. While dutifully carrying out this obligation, the National Assembly has successfully revealed high-profile cases of corruption and financial mismanagement and assisted in the recovery of public funds, curbed misappropriation, and ensured judicious use of public resources.
Also, Speaker Abbas asserted that as part of the Legislative Agenda, the 10th House aims at improving the conduction of “this very critical function”. He likewise stressed that the conduct of oversight will no longer be business as usual. As contributory efforts that these activities of the House achieve the desired outcome, the Speaker of the House said that committees are now compulsorily required to make quarterly reports of their activities to the House’s leadership and ensure submission of reports regarding any investigative hearings to the House.
The 10th Assembly is introducing the “Open NASS” project.
Additionally, there are now code of ethics and guidelines to guide committee members. This is to ensure accountability and transparency, and to discourage members from conflicts of interest. Also, the 10th Assembly is introducing the “Open NASS” project to engage citizens in legislative activities and to permit citizens the opportunity to challenge the usage of allocated funds by the National Assembly. He concluded by saying that the House must also be ready to accept questions concerning the usage of public funds.
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Legislative oversight ensures accountability. – It evaluates and monitors other arms of Nigerian government. – Express your point of view.
The Legislature must ensure and see to it that the accountability of the government remains in place and other aspects of utilization of funds and implementation of policies and laws, which is done through oversight. These policies and laws are classifications of the aspirations and hopes of the people of Nigeria. Accountability is an essential function that is significant to democracy as a government of the people and bringing in of good governance and standard practices in accountability and public investment to improve the socio-economic development of the society.
I absolutely agree with you on the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring accountability within the Nigerian government. The role of the legislature in evaluating and monitoring the actions of other government branches is vital for upholding the principles of transparency, integrity, and good governance.
Legislative oversight serves as a check and balance mechanism, ensuring that the executive and judicial branches are held accountable for their actions. By actively evaluating and monitoring the policies, programs, and activities of these branches, the legislature can identify any potential misconduct, corruption, or inefficiencies that may arise. This helps to safeguard the interests of the Nigerian people and ensure that the government is working in their best interests.
Through its oversight function, the legislature has the power to conduct investigations, summon government officials for questioning, and review the implementation of laws and policies. This enables them to identify any gaps, weaknesses, or areas of improvement in the functioning of the government. By doing so, they can propose necessary reforms, amendments, or new legislation to address these issues and enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of governance.
Legislative oversight also serves as a platform for engaging with the public and incorporating their perspectives and concerns into the decision-making process. By conducting public hearings, consultations, and engaging with civil society organizations, the legislature can ensure that the voices of the people are heard and taken into account. This fosters a sense of inclusivity, transparency, and responsiveness in the government’s actions.
In conclusion, legislative oversight is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. It serves as a powerful tool for ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance within the Nigerian government. By actively evaluating and monitoring the actions of other government branches, the legislature can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of the Nigerian people and promoting a more inclusive, responsive, and effective government
One of the responsibilities and authorities the legislature has over the executive is legislative oversight. Why aren’t they using this power more often, I wonder. The executive is undoubtedly held accountable to the public via legislative oversight.Legislative oversight ensures that the executive and judicial branches are held responsible for their acts by acting as a check and balance. Actively assessing and observing the regulations
Legislative oversight is used to hold the Nigerian government responsible. The legislature must be vital in evaluating and overseeing the actions of other branches of government if openness, honesty, and good governance are to be upheld.