By Fatima Saka
The House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has taken a significant stride towards fostering transparency and accountability in governance through the introduction of a digitalized hearing chamber and a quarterly publication, PAC News.
Under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as Speaker, Hon. Bamidele Salam, the committee’s head, unveiled these innovations during the first anniversary celebrations of the 10th House of Representatives, known as “The People’s House”.
In his address, Hon. Bamidele elucidated that the digitalized hearing room and PAC News magazine are designed to leverage technology in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability.
The committee aims to bolster its oversight capabilities, expedite processes, and promptly address emerging issues and concerns.
Moreover, he highlighted that the magazine will serve as a platform for disseminating the committee’s endeavors, accomplishments, and obstacles, while also facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices in public financial management.
The launch of PAC News and the digitalized hearing room signifies a remarkable milestone in the committee’s endeavors to enhance interaction with the media, civil society, stakeholders, and to advocate for transparency and accountability in governance.
Hon. Bamidele remarked, “These groundbreaking innovations represent a significant stride towards supporting the 10th House of Representatives’ vision of an open parliament through transparency, digitalization, and citizen engagement, aligning with the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda focus on Strengthening Good Governance and Inclusion and Open Parliament.”
He continued, “This state-of-the-art digitalized hearing room, furnished with cutting-edge technologies such as laptops with access to over 100 resources, unlimited internet connectivity, large-screen multimedia displays, and other technical equipment for e-hearings, marks a pivotal moment in our committee’s history.
” I am pleased to announce that we are now better equipped to fulfill our constitutional mandate with heightened efficiency and efficacy. Through this platform, we will be able to:
– Conduct virtual hearings and meetings, reducing the necessity for physical presence and expanding our outreach and accessibility.
– Access and review electronically submitted/presented documents and evidence from Government Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs), streamlining our review process and reducing paperwork.
– Engage with stakeholders and the public in real-time, enhancing transparency and public participation.”
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a special guest at the event, revealed plans to amend the Standing Orders to incorporate e-petitions and enhance the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for receiving and processing public petitions.
He emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of petition procedures, empowering citizens to engage more effectively in the legislative process.
The digitalized hearing room and PAC News Magazine are part of the committee’s efforts to deepen engagement with the media, civil society, stakeholders, and to expand communication with Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The magazine will serve as a platform for sharing the committee’s work, achievements, and challenges, and for fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices in public financial management.
The Speaker commended the Public Accounts Committee for their dedication to promoting transparency and accountability, underscoring the pivotal role of their work in nation-building.
This event marked a significant advancement in the committee’s commitment to utilizing technology to drive good governance and accountability.
“Let us persevere in harnessing technology and innovation to elevate our pursuits,” he encouraged, emphasizing the significance of leveraging modern tools for enhanced effectiveness.
“Rest assured, you have our unwavering support and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives.
“Together, we will strive to expand these endeavors to achieve even greater impact.”
Incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the operations of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) in parliaments is crucial for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in overseeing public funds.
“Advanced digital tools and platforms streamline data analysis, facilitate real-time monitoring, and ensure comprehensive documentation of proceedings, thereby enhancing the oversight process’s effectiveness and accessibility.
“The Nigerian House of Representatives is resolutely committed to this objective, recognizing that harnessing technology is vital for fostering good governance and inclusive participation.
“By investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously enhancing our technological capabilities, we aim to establish a benchmark in legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian populace.
“The digitalized hearing room is now equipped with sophisticated technologies and resources, including extensive legal references such as the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1960-2024), Financial Regulations (2009), and the Procurement Act, among other pertinent laws.
“This chamber features a large smart screen multimedia display and other technical devices to facilitate e-hearings, thereby enhancing efficiency, ensuring prompt consideration of cases, and promoting the effective discharge of our constitutional mandates,” he articulated.
