PAC is better equipped to discharge constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness – Hon. Bamidele Salam
PAC is better equipped to discharge constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness - Hon. Bamidele Salam
PAC is better equipped to discharge constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness – Hon. Bamidele Salam⊃
The National Assembly Committee on public account has opened it’s Newly Digitalized Hearing Room of the Committee as well as the Unveiling of the ‘The PAC News”, a quarterly magazine of the Committee, as part of the activities marking the first anniversary of the 10th House of Representatives “The People’s House”, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as the Speaker.These landmark innovations 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, in line with agenda 1 (Strengthening Good Governance) and 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda.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.
The Chairman, Hon. Bamidele Salam in his opening speech said he is proud to say that they are now better equipped to discharge their constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. He said, “through the platform, they 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.As I said above, 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.And many other laws relevant to the work of the Public Accounts Committee.As we take a significant step forward in harnessing technology to drive good governance, transparency, and accountability, I am bold to say that this innovation will enhance our oversight capabilities and accelerate our processes, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging issues and concerns, thereby reducing administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks which have been some of the major challenges we face as a committee.
The maiden edition of the PAC News, a quarterly magazine is another innovative intervention of the committee. 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.
He also said, “by launching the publication, they 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.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.
