Open Parliament : Reps Committee on Public Account Set Standard,Goes Digital.
The house of representative public account committee, in furtherance of the vision of open parliament of the 10th house, on Tuesday inaugurated it newly digitalize hearing room and also unveiled ‘The PAC News”, a quarterly magazine of the Committee.
Chairman, Public account committee, Rep Banidele Salam, in his opening speech said that, the move was a step further to enhance open parliament through transparency, digitalization, and citizens’ engagement.
According to him, the digitalized hearing room, represents a major milestone in the committee’s history. The hearing room is equipped with digital technologies such as laptops with over 100 resources, unlimited internet facilities, large-screen multimedia, and other technical devices for e-hearing.
Bamidele also disclosed that the acommittee is now better equipped to discharge it mandate efficiently. “I am proud to say that we are now better equipped to discharge our constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. 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”.
Bamidele further said “that the 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”.
In his remark, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, disclosed the intention of 10th House to initiate transformative amendments to its Standing Orders to integrate e-petitions and enhance the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for receiving and processing public petitions.
The speaker during the inauguration of the newly digitalized hearing room emphasized that the initiative aims to further to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of petition procedures. This reform promises to empower citizens, enabling them to engage more effectively in the legislative process.
The Speaker commended the Public Accounts Committee for their commendable efforts in promoting transparency and accountability, and emphasized the crucial role of their work in nation-building.
“Let us persist in harnessing technology and innovation to elevate our endeavors,” he urged, highlighting the importance of leveraging modern tools for enhanced effectiveness.
“Rest assured, you have our continued support and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of these projects.
He also said, these initiatives are integral to the Legislative Agenda, which prioritizes good governance by leveraging technology and digital media to ensure that legislative processes are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.
“I commend the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Bamidele Salam and his Members for their relentless dedication to delivering on the mandate of the Committee as constitutionally provided.
“To further improve the effectiveness of PAC, you have gone a step further to introduce additional legislative tools and mechanisms that strengthen good governance and improve openness and accountability.
“According to our recently unveiled one-year scorecard, the Public Accounts Committee alone accounted for 96 of the total committee meetings, representing 19% of the 502 meetings held by our committees in the first session of the House.
“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.
“Incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the work of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of parliaments is essential for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the oversight of public funds.
“The Nigerian House of Representatives is deeply committed to this goal, recognizing that leveraging technology is crucial for fostering good governance and inclusive participation,” He also said.
