……Busari called for a successor program to continue the progress achieved and ensure effective governance
By Fatima Saka
The Right Honourable Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of state legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has emphasizied on continuity of milestones, saying that work is far from over.
the Chairman gave this assurance while delivering a powerful speech at a one-day reflection session held in partnership with PERL and ECP Engaged Citizen Pillar at the Abuja Continental Hotel yesterday.
During the session, he eloquently outlined the significant achievements of the conference through the State House of Assembly.
Rt. Honourable Speaker Adebo highlighted the notable progress made in his speech titled “The Legislative Reforms at the State Level: The Journey So Far.”
He emphasized the pivotal role played by the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in collaboration with Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL) and other stakeholders in driving forward these reforms.
Rt. Hon. Adebo underscored the successful advocacy and implementation of key reforms, including the passage of Funds Management Bills/Laws in several states to ensure transparent and accountable management of public funds, the establishment of State Legislative Service Commissions to provide professional support to State Legislatures, the introduction of State Legislative Finance Guidelines to standardize financial management practices, and the promotion of Legislative Financial and Administrative Autonomy.
The Chairman highlighted the importance of Capacity Development Programs for State Legislators and legislative staff, robust engagements in Constitution Review Exercises to enhance grassroots input, and efforts to strengthen Legislative Oversight and Citizen Engagement Platforms for participatory democracy.
Adebo acknowledged the positive impact of these reforms in enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of State Legislatures across the country. Despite these achievements, “there is still much work to be done in prioritizing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, especially in light of emerging challenges such as technological advancements in the legislative process.”
As he welcomed participants to the reflection session, Adebo emphasized the need to evaluate, review, and enhance collaborations for sustained positive impacts. He commended the strategic partners for their remarkable programs and activities that have contributed to improved legislative processes and good governance in Nigeria, particularly at the state level.
In proposing further reforms, Adebo highlighted the importance of Strengthening Legislative Oversight, Enhancing Citizen Engagement and Participation, and Promoting Legislative Research and Analysis. He also advocated for the adoption of E-parliament to make legislative processes more accessible and efficient, leveraging the expertise and resources of PERL and other partners.
Speaking on, the Director General of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Busari Sarafadeen, expressed gratitude for the significant legislative reforms facilitated by PERL in promoting democracy in Nigeria.
D.G, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria
He emphasized the importance of building on these successes and sustaining better service delivery at the sub-national level.
Busari called for a successor program to continue the progress achieved and ensure effective governance.
He lamented the closure of the PERL Programme but stressed the need for a successor program to maintain the positive momentum in promoting good governance in Nigeria.
The event served as a platform for exchanging ideas, experiences, and expertise among various stakeholders, including diplomats, CSOs/NGOs, and academia, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across different sectors.
