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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has commended the House of Representatives for its demonstrated commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
The Executive Director of PLAC, Clement Nwankwo hailed the initiative as a significant landmark moment for fostering accountability, enabling citizens to directly engage with and evaluate the performance of their elected officials.
During the dialogue which held in Abuja on Monday, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, revealed that an impressive 1,059 bills have been presented on the floor of the Green Chamber since its inauguration in June 2023. In his remarks, Nwankwo described the event, orchestrated by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, as an innovative program specifically designed to enhance transparency.
“It is very important that citizens now have a platform to ask what the National Assembly has done, and for the House to respond with transparency,” Nwankwo affirmed.
PLAC underscored the importance of the House’s Legislative Agenda, an encompassing eight-pillar framework addressing critical national imperatives ranging from good governance and economic growth to constitutional review.
Nwankwo acknowledged the consistent progress achieved on these priorities since their introduction shortly after the 10th Assembly commenced its tenure.
He also highlighted PLAC’s collaborative role, alongside other civil society organizations, in supporting the National Assembly’s efforts through the implementation of electronic progress tracking mechanisms and the promotion of robust public participation in policymaking processes.
The Executive Director specifically commended the dedication of Speaker Abbas and Deputy Speaker Kalu to the principles of open governance, emphasizing the pivotal work undertaken by the Committee on Constitutional Review, which is chaired by Kalu. He noted the committee’s proactive efforts in soliciting public input and addressing key national concerns, including the crucial issues of gender representation, state policing, and electoral reform.
“I commend the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for recognizing the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics,” Nwankwo stated, positively acknowledging the advocacy for special seats for women as a step in the right direction.
However, while recognizing the House’s ongoing efforts in vital sectors such as energy, poverty alleviation, and national security, Nwankwo also emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding fundamental human rights and protecting the civic space in Nigeria. He voiced a specific concern regarding recent actions by the House, particularly the establishment of a committee tasked with investigating comments made by a U.S. Congressman concerning terrorism financing.
“We fought hard to end military rule and must not allow civic space to be constricted under a democracy. Civil society must remain a critical partner in governance, not an opponent.”
He further urged the House to maintain and enhance its engagement with civil society organizations to consolidate and strengthen democratic gains within the nation.
Despite this expressed concern, PLAC reaffirmed its strong support for the National Policy Dialogue as a crucial platform for fostering deeper collaboration between the legislative branch and a diverse range of stakeholders.
In his concluding remarks, Nwankwo urged the leadership of the House to remain steadfast in their commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, stressing that meaningful engagement with the Nigerian populace is fundamental to improving civic performance and driving sustainable national development.
Earlier at the event, the Deputy Speaker who also serves as the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee in the House, highlighted the significant legislative output of the 10th Assembly, noting the presentation of over a thousand bills since June 2023.
Kalu characterized the event as a landmark achievement in aligning legislative priorities with overarching national development objectives.
“Today, we gather not merely as policymakers but as custodians of Nigeria’s democratic future, united by a shared vision to translate the aspirations of our people into actionable governance,” he stated.
He also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his Renewed Hope Agenda has established a resilient foundation for economic growth, national security, and institutional reform. “Under his stewardship, Nigeria is witnessing a paradigm shift: a nation transitioning from potential to performance, from challenges to solutions, and from despair to hope,” Kalu asserted.
Hon. Cyril Hart Godwin, the Chairman of the House Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of the Legislative Agenda, lauded Speaker Abbas for his visionary leadership in guiding the legislative arm through a transformative period marked by significant national challenges and a strong commitment to achieving measurable impact.
“This historic Dialogue offers a veritable platform for robust analysis and appraisal of parliamentary activities as we work toward building a peaceful, prosperous society. It is not just a mantra. The legislative agenda is a contract with the Nigerian people, demanding that we all committees and members alike rise to the confidence it inspires.”
Reflecting on the House’s work since its inauguration in 2023, Rep. Godwin acknowledged the multitude of pressing national concerns, including economic instability, security threats, environmental degradation, and systemic corruption. He credited Speaker Abbas’s “unparalleled wisdom” in formulating a legislative roadmap that directly addresses these critical issues while aligning with international standards of democratic governance.
Highlighting the Committee’s achievements, he referenced a successful national roundtable conducted the previous year, which focused on the diversification of Nigeria’s economy through green, blue, and digital economic strategies. “We are beginning to see the fruits of that patriotic engagement,” he noted.
Looking towards future initiatives, Rep. Godwin announced that the committee is actively preparing for another significant roundtable discussion centered on Nigeria’s energy transition, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of natural gas.
“As someone from the Niger Delta, I know the value of gas, its role in powering homes, industries, agriculture, transportation and in addressing climate change. That’s why I call it ‘My Gas, My Everything,” he declared.
The inaugural National Policy Dialogue signifies a crucial step towards enhanced engagement and accountability, with civil society organizations like PLAC playing a vital role in both supporting and critically examining the legislative process.
The ultimate success of this initiative will depend on the House of Representatives’ sustained commitment to openness and its unwavering willingness to protect the essential space for robust civil society engagement.