The House of Representatives on Tuesday commissioned a new digitalized hearing room of the public accounts committee.
Similarly, it also unveiled Public Accounts Committee (PAC) news, a quarterly magazine of the committee.
The chairman of the committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam in a welcome address said the occasion was a landmark innovations to mark a significant step forward in the quest to support the 10th House of Representatives’ vision of open parliament through transparency, digitalization, and citizens’ engagement.
Specifically, he said it was in line with agenda 1 (Strengthening Good Governance) and 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda.
He noted that the event was part of the activities marking the first anniversary of the 10th House of Representatives “The People’s House”, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as the Speaker.
The occasion, witnessed by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the PAC chairman, said the 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 the committee’s history.
Enumerating some of the benefits of the new center, Salam said “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”.
Hon Salam continued “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”, among others.
He said it will also enhance many other laws relevant to the work of the Public Accounts Committee.
He explained that the maiden edition of the PAC News, a quarterly magazine is another innovative intervention of the committee, saying 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”.
According to Salam, “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” Salam added.
