In exercise of their law-making duties, members of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives processed a total of 1,651 bills within the first year in office. This synopsis highlights OrderPaper’s signature annual performance appraisals and provides all the data you need to rate how your representatives in parliament have performed in office thus far
OrderPaper’s trailblazing signature effort…
Since its inception, OrderPaper Nigeria has championed multifaceted media products and advocacy programmes geared towards legislative accountability. One of such is the innovative, trail-blazing and unimpeachable annual performance appraisals of members of the national assembly. This initiative, which began during the first anniversary of the 9th assembly, has evolved into a critical resource for research, education, and citizen engagement, extending its influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The appraisals, also known as the NASS Performance Scorecards, are rooted in a rigorous analysis of the law-making functions of the 469-member federal legislature, with a particular focus on the volume, value, impact, and progression of sponsored bills. This detailed assessment not only reflects legislative activity but also measures the efficiency and effectiveness of the law-making function of legislators and the efficacy of processed bills in addressing the needs of constituents and the country.
The consistency of these appraisals over the years has made them a cornerstone for promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s legislative processes. They serve as a benchmark for assessing legislative performance and a tool for citizens to hold their representatives accountable. Moreover, the appraisals foster a culture of excellence among lawmakers, encouraging them to rise above mediocrity and strive for impactful legislative achievements.
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10th National Assembly year one scorecards are in….
As the 10th National Assembly recently clocked one year in office, OrderPaper has concluded work on the annual appraisals which is now set for release. Focusing on bills, this edition goes beyond the numbers even as the tally of 476 and 1175 bills from the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, is the highest recorded since the 4th assembly.
The analysis this time goes beyond distillations of the numbers into value-based nuances like sectoral governance, gender and inclusion elements, individual law-making performances, political party representation and other datasets. More importantly, these appraisals spotlight the progression of bills through the stages of first reading to eventual enactment through presidential assent. This edition addresses the critical question of whether or not bills have been sponsored as mere legislative showmanship or if the lawmakers are genuinely committed to pushing the proposals through the various stages of law-making for the good of Nigerians.
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Performance through the progression lens…
The focus on progression of bills as an approach adds significant value to the annual appraisals as it offers insights into the quantity of legislative activity and the quality and impact of the work being done. By tracking the trajectory of each bill, the appraisal provides a more comprehensive picture of legislative effectiveness, highlighting those lawmakers who are not just active in bill sponsorship but are also relentless in ensuring that their legislative proposals make it through the entire process.
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OrderPaper’s focus on tracking the progression of bills in these performance appraisals significantly benefits various segments of society. For citizens, it offers a tangible way to hold their representatives accountable and engage more meaningfully in the democratic process. The private sector benefits from the ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in the regulatory environment, fostering a more stable business climate. The media gains a rich source for in-depth reporting and analyses, thereby enhancing its role as a watchdog in a democracy. Civil society organisations (CSOs) can leverage data from the appraisals for more effective advocacy and legislative engagements. Internationally, the detailed appraisals help to guage Nigeria’s democratic credentials, providing a key indicator of governance effectiveness for global partners. Overall, OrderPaper’s approach, this time, is tailored to drive transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance, ensuring that the impact of legislative activities is broadly felt across society.
Gearing towards the converted MVPs
Another testament to the success of OrderPaper’s signature appraisals is the birthing of the Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame initiative, an exclusive recognition capsule reserved for legislators who embody performance, excellence, and public service. Only five lawmakers out of the 469 national assembly members cut the inaugural induction unveiled in May 2023, underscoring the stringent criteria and high standards expected of Nigeria’s legislators. As the 10th National Assembly scorecards roll out, which lawmakers are showing early signs of possible induction into this prestigious class? The journey starts now with the first year performance appraisals now out- it promises to be a game-changer, offering a nuanced understanding of legislative progress and setting a new standard for legislative accountability in Nigeria.
As stakeholders, constituents, and the wider public await the staggered releases of these performance appraisals, one thing is sure: OrderPaper remains at the forefront of driving legislative accountability in Nigeria, ensuring that the parliament continues to work in the best interest of the people its members are elected to serve.
