In a landmark move towards digitalization of legislative processes and enhancing citizens engagement, the 10th House of Representatives is set to accommodate e-petitions
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas (APC Kaduna), has announced that the 10th House will begin amending its standing orders to incorporate e-petitions and utilize Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for handling public petitions.
This announcement came during the inauguration of the newly digitalized hearing room of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the launch of the PAC News, a quarterly magazine, on Monday.
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Transforming Legislative Processes
In his address, Speaker Abbas emphasized the significance of this initiative as the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of petition procedures. By integrating ICT, the House seeks to ensure that citizens can engage with the legislative process more effectively. “This transformative step will enable more efficient, transparent, and accessible petition procedures, allowing citizens to engage with the legislative process more effectively,” he stated.
The Speaker underscored the House’s commitment to legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people through continuous investment in cutting-edge digital infrastructure. “By investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously updating our technological capabilities, we aim to set a benchmark in legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people,” Abbas affirmed.
Supporting the Public Accounts Committee
Commending the Public Accounts Committee for their vital role in promoting transparency and accountability, Speaker Abbas urged them to continue leveraging technology and innovation in their work. “Let us continue to leverage technology and innovation to enhance our work. Rest assured, you have our continued support and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of these projects,” he encouraged.
He praised the Committee’s Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam ( PDP Osun ), and its members for their relentless dedication. Highlighting the Committee’s impressive performance, Abbas noted that PAC held 96 of the total 502 committee meetings in the House’s first session, accounting for 19% of all meetings. “Your oversight activities on issues arising from House resolutions, such as the Alleged Mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds by MDAs, the investigation of revenue leakages through the Remita platform, and other referred petitions, highlight the seriousness you attach to your oversight functions,” he said
Advancing Digital Tools for Legislative Excellence
Speaker Abbas, described the digitized PAC hearing room, thus: “The digitalized hearing room is now equipped with advanced technologies and resources, including comprehensive legal references such as the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1960-2024), Financial Regulations (2009), and the Procurement Act, among other relevant laws.
“This room features a large smart screen multimedia and other technical devices to facilitate e-hearings, thereby increasing efficiency, ensuring speedy consideration of cases, and promoting the effective delivery of our constitutional mandates,” he said.
“This modernization is expected to streamline data analysis, enable real-time monitoring, and ensure comprehensive documentation of proceedings, thereby making the oversight process more effective and accessible.” he added
He noted that the PAC news magazine aims to foster sustained relationships with the media, civil society, and stakeholders, ensuring that the Committee’s work is accessible and comprehensible to a broader audience. It will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned, as well as preserving the digital footprints of the Committee’s oversight activities to guide future endeavors.
Speaker Abbas, therefore reiterated the House’s dedication to enhancing accountability and transparency in Nigeria through these milestones. “These initiatives symbolize our continuous commitment to enhancing accountability and transparency in Nigeria.”
