By Samuel Vincent
In a bid to enhance citizens’ participation in the process of lawmaking and strengthen the performance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday announced plans to commence monthly sectoral engagement.
The announcement was made by its spokesperson, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, while speaking with legislative correspondents at the National Assembly.
According to Kalu, the move “is in line with one of the general principles of the legislative agenda of the 9th House of Representatives under the leadership of the Honourable Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, which is to foster engagement and collaboration with civic groups and constituents with the strategic goal of enhancing citizen participation in the legislative process as well as a firm commitment to transparency, accountability and participatory democracy.”
He reiterated the 9th House of Representatives commitment to the socioeconomic well-being of Nigeria.
“The social and economic wellbeing of Nigeria remains a priority for the 9th House and as the People’s Parliament, we shall relentlessly strive to ensure that at all times, our legislative activities reflect the true wishes of the people because ‘Nation Building’ is indeed ‘A Joint Task’.”
The engagement, which is tagged: 9th House Sectoral Roundtable Sessions (9th House SRS) will be coordinated by the 9th House Sectoral Roundtable Sessions (9th House SRS) and will feature citizens, policy experts, private organizations, ministries, departments and agencies of the Executive, civil society organizations and relevant legislative committees.
Kalu observed that the engagement will provide an opportunity for citizens to “critically examine the real-life performance of these sectors with the aim of identifying and addressing issues therein through legislative amendments, motions, policy recommendations and other interventions.”
He added that the 9th House SRS will be conducted digitally in line with Covid-19 safety protocols, and shall commence with a focus on the Health Sector in October, 2020, and shall thereafter continue on a monthly basis.
