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Tag: CSOs

  • Give Ojulari’s NNPCL leadership space to perform-Coalition of CSOs tells political detractors

    Give Ojulari’s NNPCL leadership space to perform-Coalition of CSOs tells political detractors

    A coalition of civil society organisations, CSOs on Friday asked traducers to allow the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, NNPCL Group Managing Director, Dapo Ojulari and his management to have space to perform their duties.

    At a press briefing in Abuja, Director General of the coalition under the aegis of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GCCLAC) Dr Gabriel Nwambu declared that:

    “For several weeks now there haa been a plethora of mudslinging against the management of NNPCL in the media by perceived traducers who mean no well for the survival of Nigeria.

    Dr Nwambu disclosed this in a statement he read at the briefing entitled: ‘Enough is Enough: A word for NNPCL Traducers’, saying:

    “In recent weeks, there has been an upsurge in negative media
    reportage against Nigeria’s national oil company, the NNPC Ltd,
    and its senior management. These attacks, carefully
    orchestrated and coordinated by faceless groups and individuals
    with nefarious intents, are to say the least, most unfortunate.

    ” The frightening part of this dangerous development is that
    these negative campaigns don’t look like they will stop anytime
    soon. Today, it is Bayo Ojulari, the Group CEO; tomorrow, it is
    Dapo Segun, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the next day,
    it is Udy Ntia, the Executive Vice President (EVP) Upstream.

    “The
    evil forces appeared to be unrelenting in their quest to bring the company and its management to their knees.

    “The NNPC Limited and its Management have seen enough: from sponsored media attacks to frivolous lawsuits, even staged
    protests from rented crowd based on nothing but the imaginations of the purveyors of fake news, the critics keep coming in droves. Apparently, some folks, both within and without are not happy with the direction the NNPC is going and
    would stop at nothing to derail the process of making NNPC
    work for all.

    ” To think that some Nigerians are behind these mischievous
    allegations in the media, is just serendipitous. The purveyors of
    these acts are probably oblivious of the immense damage they
    are doing to a company which should be our collective national
    treasure.

    “This is a company that could best be described as the
    goose that lays the golden egg. This is a company that is about
    to be listed on the stock exchange!

    Nwambu further stressed that : “But one might ask: what do they stand to gain by making these
    potentially damaging allegations towards one of Nigeria’s major
    brands and institutions?

    “What is their benefit if the National Oil Company goes down as a result of their cynical opinions which
    seem to keep discerning investors away? Where is their
    patriotism?

    “Instead of resorting to media trial of the NNPC and its
    Management, why won’t these individuals and groups utilise
    legal option to prove their cases?

    ” These traducers, in their
    myopic view, always think NNPC, led by Bashir Bayo Ojulari is the
    problem of Nigeria. Again, these critics, in their warped thinking
    and imagination, believe they or their paymasters can do better,
    in case they are asked to steer the ship of a Company that is
    gradually fighting its age-long demons and gradually coming
    back to life.

    “The NNPC Management, especially under Ojulari’s stewardship,
    has never shied away from its many challenges. If anything, it
    has always been seen to face the challenges headlong.

    “And the
    result of that confrontation has seen the company’s fortunes,
    growing in leaps and bounds.

    “It is therefore important to state that since coming on board as
    the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Ojulari has recorded significant
    milestone and achievements, signalling a break from business
    as usual.

    “He has also implemented bold reforms across operational transparency, fiscal discipline, and global competitiveness. It is safe to say that the man has proven himself not only a capable administrator but also a rare breed of technocrat.

    “Similarly, this veteran oil and gas expert has performed feats
    nobody dares to attempt before. Today, through effective and
    innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration,
    the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project
    has crossed the River Niger, marking a major step towards
    delivering the project that would turn around the industrial
    fortunes of Nigeria.

    “His leadership acumen has also ensured significant increase in
    Nigeria’s crude oil production, generating more revenue for the
    country in the process. Under Ojulari’s watch, for the first time in
    a long while, the nation enjoyed 100% crude oil pipelines
    availability throughout June 2025.

    ” The feat which was possible
    through the industry-wide security interventions led by the
    NNPC.

    ” Again, Ojulari’s tireless efforts led to the prompt payment of cash
    call obligations by the NNPC. Unlike in the past were NNPC’s
    Joint Venture partners complain of non-payment by their senior
    partner, today, the IOCs can close their eyes knowing that in
    NNPC, they have a reliable partner that will keep its own side of
    the contract.

    ” It is also not a secret today that the Ojulari-led management has
    revamped governance and procurement processes at the NNPC, saving the company billions of naira in potential losses. He has
    aso instituted a data-driven framework for contract awards and auditing, effectively blocking several channels previously
    exploited for financial recklessness.

    ” A saying goes that “critics are like eunuchs in a harem, they have
    seen it done times without number, but they can never do it
    themselves.” The NNPC critics fall in this category, because they
    have, many at times, been witnesses to how the Company,
    turbo-charged by the new legislative chest of the Petroleum
    Industry Act (PIA) is gradually transforming into a world-class
    commercial entity of choice.

    “Sadly, like the eunuchs, these on-
    watching cynics can never do it themselves.

    “Fact is whether they like it or not, the NNPC reforms are like a
    moving train that can never be stopped. Mr. President did not
    make a mistake by nominating the current NNPC Management.

    “And from their performance so far, it is evident before everyone’s
    eyes that this is indeed a team driven by technical acumen,
    eagle-eyed attention to details, and unrelenting desire to rewrite
    the oil and gas playbook in Nigeria.

    ” In conclusion, as partners in the Nigerian Project, our coalition
    therefore calls on these detractors to support the Bayo Ojulari-
    led management team for the good work it is doing at the
    NNPC.

    “Instead of circling like vultures, these traducers will do
    well to allow the new Management at the NNPC turn around the
    fortunes of the company for the better and set Nigeria on the
    enviable path of greatness.
    God bless NNPC. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • CSOs call for probe of ex-NNPCL GMD over $1.5bn investment in Port Harcourt Refinery

    CSOs call for probe of ex-NNPCL GMD over $1.5bn investment in Port Harcourt Refinery

    Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has called for investigation into the $1.5 billion investment in Port Harcourt Refinery by the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari.

    The coalition, Situation Room on Transparency and Accountability, led by its Convener, Mr Michael Omoba, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Omoba said that Nigerians were made to believe that the funds allocated by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in 2021, were meant for a comprehensive rehabilitation of two refineries but was spent only on Port Harcourt refinery.

    “The said refinery turned out to be non-functional, failing to meet the least functional or industrial standard that was expected of such an investment.

    “Indeed, such fiscal mismanagement would have been the subject of a rigorous criminal investigation involving every national and international party.

    “Why was the initial plan of rehabilitating two refineries abandoned without justification? Who are those responsible for this national capture of our resources?” he queried.

    According to him, that such colossal sum was spent with no concrete outcome and accountability says a lot about the Kyari-led administration.

    The coalition convener said that the gross mismanagement of funds in the oil and gas sector over the past five years had stifled the country’s economic and infrastructural development.

    He also said that it had impoverished citizens who had been making their tax contributions and sabotaged sustainability.

    “It is a plain example of what erodes investors’ confidence and invites speculative capital, rather than stable foreign direct investment (FDI).

    “This NNPCL revelation reveal an elite syndicate conspiracy against the citizens of this great country.

    “It is a betrayal of the Nigerian dream and this economic hemorrhaging must stop.

    “In addition to the many atrocious adventures of Kyari’s leadership, the suspension of the Naira-for-crude policy under his tenure was a monumental disservice and disability to our local economy,” he said.

    Omoba, therefore, called for an immediate constitution of a special commission of inquiry to investigate the full financial activities of the NNPCL in the last five years under the Kyari’s leadership.

    He also called for a forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions, adding that those found culpable should be made to face the full weight of the law.

    He further recommended a legislative hearing to ensure that the National Assembly maintained the highest transparency standard for the newly-appointed NNPCL board.

  • Why we are against abolition of Lagos LCDAs – CSOs

    Why we are against abolition of Lagos LCDAs – CSOs

    The Lagos State Civil Society Coalition has said that a proposed Bill to dismantle the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos, will signal a significant regression for local governance in the state.

    The spokesperson of the group, Mr Sina Loremikan restated the coalition’s position in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The coalition alongside a group of Concerned Lagosians recently addressed a news conference in Lagos denouncing the proposed bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly, to replace the 37 LCDAs with Area Administrative Council.

    The Bill proposed that the area administrative councils will be administered and funded by the local government areas under which they fall.

    Loremikan said the Bill is not only retrogressive, but a move by the house of assembly to disrupt the administrative structure that has allowed communities in Lagos state to enjoy localised governance and development for nearly two decades.

    “The LCDAs were established in 2003 to bring government closer to the people, increase representation and address local issues more effectively.

    “The proposed Bill will dismantle these structures, ostensibly under the claim that they are unconstitutional,’’ Loremikan of  Campaign Against Impunity said..

    The coalition leader contended that the LCDAs have been particularly effective in providing more tailored services and infrastructure to areas that are otherwise overlooked by local government councils.

    He added that, by proposing to abolish the entities, the house of assembly and its leadership have taken step to “reverse the gains made in local development, reduce citizen participation in governance, and stall community-focused initiatives.

    “If the bill succeeds, it will signal a significant regression for local governance in Lagos. It is our considered position, therefore, that the abolition of the LCDAs will invariably create governance crises in communities where resources and attention are often stretched.

    “Our fear and the fears of many Lagosians are that these communities would be left without adequate representation, thereby, straining development and the already complex governance landscape of Lagos state.

    “As concerned citizens and stakeholders, we insist on the preservation and empowerment of the LCDAs as effective vehicles for grassroots governance and local empowerment,’’ he said.

    Loremikan added that the proposed abolition Bill is a direct affront to President Bola Tinubu’s legacy during his tenure as Governor of Lagos state.

    “It is important to remember that the creation of these LCDAs is a key part of the legacy of President Tinubu, during his tenure as Governor.

    “Abolishing the LCDAs will not only erase a fundamental aspect of his legacy, but it will also set a dangerous precedent that disregards the will of the people and the importance of local governance.

    “Tinubu’s foresight in creating these LCDAs was instrumental in transforming Lagos into the economic powerhouse it is today.

    “This legacy must be protected. Lagosians will not stand by and watch as the progress made over the last two decades is rolled back by a single legislative action,” he said.

    Loremikan, therefore, called on the house of assembly to immediately withdraw the proposed bill, forthwith because of its long-term consequences.

  • Constitution Review: Reps to engage NGF, NGE, LG Chairmen, CSOs, Others

    Constitution Review: Reps to engage NGF, NGE, LG Chairmen, CSOs, Others

    … Kalu announces membership of sub-committees

     

    The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has said that it will engage the Nigerian Governors Forum, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, Chairmen of the 18 Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, amongst others, as part of activities for the ongoing review.

    The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who made this known during the committee’s meeting in Abuja, also said that the House will be holding an international legislative dialogue on women on October 28 and zonal public hearings in January.

    In his remarks, Kalu assured that the committee is on track to deliver to Nigerians, a new Constitution by December, 2025, noting that the essence of the engagements is to get the input of various stakeholders and brief them on what the committee is doing.

    He said that the Committee in carrying out most of its assignments, will be broken down into subcommittees, which will not be exhaustive as additional members will be included later on to ensure that everyone is carried along.

    The Sub-committees members according to thematic areas include: Local Government Matters, “Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Onwuzibe Ginger Obinna, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya , Hon. Jimbo Inemesiti Clement, Hon. Ibrahim Tukura Kabir, Hon. Abeji Leke Joseph, Hon. Olawuyi Olatunji Raheem, Hon. Ahmed Idris.”

    Judiciary, “Rt. Hon. Bello Kumo ii. Hon. Ogene Victor Afamefuna ii. Hon. Manu Zoro Mansur iv. Hon. Agbedi Fredrick Vv. Hon. Benson Babajimi Adegoke vi. Hon. Gbewfi Gaza Jonathan, Hon. Mamudu Abdulahi vili. Hon. Sada Soli.”

    Electoral Matters: “Rt. Hon. Ali Abdulahi Ibrahim ii. Hon. Tarkighir Dickson iii. Hon. Aliyu Muhktar Betara iv. Hon. Ofionu Goodwin Odey Ekpo v. Hon. Osoba Olumide Babatunde vi. Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati vil. Hon. Oke Olubusayo Oluwole vill. Hon. Abiodun James Faleke.”

    Security Architecture, “Hon. Isa Ali JC li. Hon. Pondi Julius G. ii. Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah, Hon. Akpatason Peter, Hon. Olayide Adedeji Stanley, Hon. Ajang Alfred Iliya,cHon. Bob Solomon, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo.”

    Gender Issues – “Rt. Hon. Onanuga Adewunmi Oriyomi li. Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Oluwaseun li. Hon. Mohammed Audu iv. Hon. Fatima Talba Vv. Hon. Zainab Gimba vi. Hon. Princess Miriam Odina vii. Hon. Akume Regina viii. Hon. Ogbara Adetola Kafilat.”

    Devolution of Powers & Other Special Matters: “Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu ii. | Rt. Hon Madaki Aliyu Sanni iii. Hon. Obed Paul Shehu, Hon. Amadi Akarachi Etinose, Hon. Fulata Abubakar Hassan vi. Hon. Kabir Amadu vii. Hon. Mohammed Danjuma Hassan viii. Hon. Francis Waive.”

    Members of the Committee on Human Rights include: Rt. Hon. Ozodinobi George Ibezimako, Hon. Magaji Amos Gwamina, Hon. Yusuf Rabiu, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Ahmed v. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Omehia, Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahaman and Hon. Dasuki Abdlsamad.”

    The Deputy Speaker, thereafter assured that clear actionable recommendations from the women summit holding next week will be taken forward in the constitutional alteration exercise.

    • He added that the summit will help in building of political will and eliciting of commitments from political leaders and stakeholders.
  • CSOs condemn Ajaero’s arrest by DSS, call for his immediate release

    CSOs condemn Ajaero’s arrest by DSS, call for his immediate release

    The United Action Front of Civil Society has strongly condemned the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Ajaero was on his way to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in the United Kingdom when he was arrested by DSS operatives in a “Gestapo manner.”

    The civil society group described the arrest as a “needless show of force” and an attempt to cause national anarchy.

    They argued that Ajaero, as a high-profile citizen and leader, should have been treated with decorum and courtesy, rather than being subjected to “dehumanising tactics.”

    The group, in a statement signed by the Head of Secretariat, Hamisu Santuraki, called for Ajaero’s immediate release, warning that his detention could lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience. They also announced plans to commence national consultations on halting the growing “police state” in Nigeria.

    “We wish to state that the DSS has, without reason, broken the civil and conventional practice earlier adopted by the police in security matters concerning well-known high-profile citizens and leaders of the people, like the President of the NLC.

    Instead of extending invitations to such individuals, they have resorted to dehumanising tactics such as forceful abduction to embarrass and intimidate them like common criminals.

    “As a matter of fact, Comrade Joe Ajaero is a significant leader of both the Labour movement and the masses of Nigeria, given his popular position as the President of the NLC, and therefore deserves to be treated with profound decorum and courtesy.

    Consequently, any security issues involving him should be handled with due process and not with the Gestapo tactics displayed by security agents today, which threaten to cause national chaos.

    “For us in the organised civil society and pro-democracy movement of Nigeria, the abduction of Ajaero today is brash and indecent on the part of Nigerian security operatives and should be condemned by all Nigerians. We, therefore, wish to unequivocally condemn this needless act of rascality employed by the DSS against the President of the NLC, which has already sent shockwaves through the length and breadth of the country and may lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience if Ajaero is not immediately released by the State.”

    Ajaero’s arrest has generated shockwaves across the country, with many condemning the DSS’s actions as a brazen attempt to silence dissenting voices.

  • CSOs urge INEC to recognise Edozie as APGA’s chairman

    CSOs urge INEC to recognise Edozie as APGA’s chairman

    A coalition of civil society organisations, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),to recognise Mr Edozie Njoku as the authentic National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling.

    The group under the umbrella Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness said this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

    Dr Gabriel Nwambu, the Director General of the Centre, said it was imperative that Njoku be accorded the recognition because of obvious danger associated with further delay.

    Gabriel said that the Supreme Court had before now held that Njoku was the National Chairman of APGA and not Chief Victor Oye, adding that the parties involved had yet to obey the judgment.

    “We gathered here today to call on the attention of Nigerians to a disturbing trend, whereby those who preside over institutions that are created by the law, and saddled with the responsibilities of preserving constitutional order disobey court orders at will.

    “We arrived at this democratic state, where order, sanity and civility are invoked and sustained through the constitution through a long journey.

    “Evidently, on Nov. 9, 2023, the Court delivered its judgment on the leadership tussle in APGA and it is well-established in legal jurisprudence that court orders must be obeyed and respected.

    “Parties to litigation are duty-bound to adhere to the directives of the Court. Disobedience to court orders undermines the sanctity of the judiciary and the rule of law,” he said.

    Nwambu said that in spite of the judgment, the first respondent Victor Oye and second respondent Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman, INEC had yet to keep their part of the judgment.

    Nwambu called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President and Chief Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice to intervene in the matter.

    He called on INEC to obey the judgment of the FCT High Court Bwari, which clearly stated that Chief Edozie Njoku was the National Chairman of APGA and recognise him as such.

     

  • Coalition cautions FG over recommendation to relocate Katsina aviation project

    Coalition cautions FG over recommendation to relocate Katsina aviation project

    A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has expressed concern over alleged plans by the Federal Government to relocate an ongoing project at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport (UMYIA) Katsina to another part of the country.

    Mr Bishir Dauda, the National Secretary of Voice of the Masses, expressed the decision while addressing newsmen in Katsina on Sunday.

    Dauda said the civil society organisations took the decision as “unfortunate, deliberate, malicious and subversive attempt by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.

    Such efforts to relocate a project from Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina to other part of the country was on baseless and preposterous excuses, the CSOs said.

    The project, awarded to Avsatel Communication Limited on Dec 7, 2022, was to refurbish Airport Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles (ARFF) of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina.

    “It is important to note that this contract was awarded, with down payment, during the last administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He noted that the gigantic project would have tremendous economic benefits to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    “Hence, these organisations consider the harmful and retrogressive action of relocating this vital project from Katsina to another part of the country for a flimsy reason, as an attempt to shortchange the good people of Katsina state, who massively voted for the President.

    “At least If we don’t deserve any reward for voting APC into power, we should not be punished by Keyamo who did not contribute in mobilising hundreds of thousands of Katsina people to vote for Tinubu.

    “We the people of Katsina state cherish the international airport because it is very strategic in actualising the development dreams of our forefathers.”

    “We will not also take any attempt to undermine it lightly. What is good for the goose is good for the gander . If Lagos, Bayelsa or Enugu states need a world class airport then why not Katsina state?

    He, therefore, called on Gov. Dikko Radda, Katsina elders, and all patriotic sons and daughters of Katsina to further convey our message to the president, the outright rejection of the decision.

     

    According to him, “the decision of the minister is meant to retard the development of the state, therefore, we anticipate that the president, as a listening leader, will do the needful by reversing the subversive action of his minister”.

     

    The coalition expressed the belief that the president would direct the contractor to expedite action on the project or revoke the contract and re-award it to another firm that had the zeal and capacity to execute it.

     

    The convener of the CSOs, Muhammad Danjuma-Katsina noted that government was a continuous process, coupled with the fact that Tinubu had repeatedly promised to complete projects started by his predecessor.

     

    According to him, the minister and the contractors seem to have a different agenda.

     

    The CSOs include the Katsina Youth Enlightenment Crusade for Peace and Development, the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative, the Voice of the Masses and the National Council of Women Society.

    Contractors handling the project, AVSATEL Communication Ltd, initiated the move for the relocation in a memo to the minister dated Dec. 4, 2023.

     

    The letter, signed by Mr George Eder, the Managing Director (MD) of the company, proposed moving the project away from Katsina to Abuja or any Southern part of the country for some logistic reasons.

    “While we wholeheartedly accept the award and the corresponding agreement, we would like to propose considering the relocation of the project site.

    “Our proposal is based on practical considerations to ensure economic viability and long-lasting success,” the MD said.

    According to him, the proposal is based on transportation logistics, personnel and training, strategic independence, synergies and financial considerations, exports and utilisation of Katsina site, and other considerations.

    “We believe that relocating the project to the South or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offers a promising future. We are prepared to address any questions and appreciate your consideration of this proposal,” he said.

     

  • INEC calls for application from election observers for by-election

    INEC calls for application from election observers for by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) interested in observing the February rerun and by-election to apply via an online portal on or before Jan. 17.

    INEC said this in a notice issued by its acting Director, Electoral Party Monitoring (EPM), Mrs Hauwa Habib in Abuja on Thursday.

    Habib adviced the organisations to visit (http://observergroups.inecnigeria.org) and complete the application form.

    This according to her was without prejudice to any previous correspondence with the Commission, adding that completion of the prescribed application form (EC14A(l)) remained the only accepted means of application.

    “Observer groups should particularly note that all other information including legal status (registration with CAC), evidence of registration with the Civil Society Desk at INEC-Headquarters, evidence of registration previous election observation with INEC (if any), acknowledgment of submission of reports of observation (if any) should accompany the application.

    “Any falsification of documents in the submissions will lead to automatic disqualification and possible prosecution.

    “The deadline for submission of application is Jan. 17, 2024.

    “The list of successful observer groups approved for accreditation will subsequently be published on the commission’s website and EPM observer’s whatsapp platform,” Habib said.

    She said that the vacancies for the by-election/re-run-election occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine states of the Federation.

    She added that INEC was conducting the by-election/re-run election stemming from the 2023 general elections, as directed by various election petition appeal tribunals.

    “Currently, 35 Constituencies are affected by these Court-ordered elections, while three cover entire constituencies, others involve only a few polling units.

    “Both categories of elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously in all affected constituencies on Saturday Feb. 3,” Habib added.

     

  • Speaker Abbas seeks CSOs, NGOs support for NASS as UNDP engages consultant on needs assessment

    Speaker Abbas seeks CSOs, NGOs support for NASS as UNDP engages consultant on needs assessment

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for more partnerships with civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and donor agencies towards strengthening the capacity of the National Assembly.

    Speaker Abbas stated that the capacity needs assessment of the National Assembly, especially the House, is an essential process that would “enable us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses as an institution.”

    The Speaker added that it would provide the House with valuable insights into “areas where we can improve our legislative processes, oversight mechanisms, and overall effectiveness in representing the interests of the citizens.”

    The Speaker made the call at a meeting with development partners, donor agencies, technical partners and civil society organisations (CSOs) on the capacity needs assessment of the House, in Abuja on Monday.

    The meeting was organised by the Programmes Coordinating Unit (PCU) under the Office of the Speaker.

    The development partners represented at the meeting included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), KLEEN Foundation, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), among others.

    Also at the meeting were the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Akin Rotimi; Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Kafilat Ogbara, and Chairman of the House Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of the Legislative Agenda, Hon Patrick Umoh.

    The Speaker, represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said through the assessment, the House aimed to identify specific areas where additional support and capacity-building initiatives were required.

    “This includes enhancing our research capabilities, strengthening our committee system, improving legislative drafting skills, and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the House,” the Speaker stated, describing the meeting as a crucial engagement regarding the partners’ technical support to the House.

    He recalled an earlier meeting held on September 18, 2023, where both sides discussed the House’s intention to harness the partners’ expertise, support and goodwill in the drive to enhance the capacities of members and staff.

    The Speaker noted that the move was in recognition of the fact that development partners, donor agencies and CSOs play a vital role in supporting democratic institutions like the parliament.

    He said: “During that meeting, as I have emphasised on numerous other occasions, I highlighted the unique capacity challenges faced by the 10th House, owing to the significant turnover rate resulting from the general elections. As legislators, we must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to fulfil our responsibilities effectively.

    “In order to address these challenges effectively, the House in its Legislative Agenda identified capacity development as a key avenue of equipping the legislature to deliver quality services in terms of representation, oversight and law making.”

    Speaker Abbas also noted that he established the Programmes Coordinating Unit (PCU) under his office for the purposes of coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all technical support and capacity development drive of the House.

    “I am pleased to observe that some progress has been achieved, following our initial meeting. I am aware that our technical partners and supporters have been collaborating with the PCU to provide various forms of assistance to the House. This demonstrates your dedication to strengthening our democracy.

    “The House, as well as the entire nation, appreciates your ongoing support and will continue to seek your cooperation in our efforts to enhance the legislative institution,” he said.

    The Speaker said in order to ensure a well-coordinated and impactful collaboration with you, the PCU had recognised the necessity of formulating a comprehensive Parliamentary Development Programme. This, he noted, would serve as a guiding framework for the collective efforts.

    To achieve this, Speaker Abbas said it was deemed essential to conduct a capacity needs assessment of the House.

    He added that the purpose of the assessment was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the House’s capacity requirements. “By doing so, we can effectively allocate our resources and interventions,” he stressed.

    The Speaker said, “On this note, I wish to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for helping us secure the services of one of Nigeria’s leading development expert, Prof. Victor Adetula, to conduct this needs assessment and develop a comprehensive parliamentary development programme.

    “The purpose of our meeting today is primarily to reiterate our request for your assistance in this initiative and to engage with the consultant as he identifies the gaps in capacity and requirements of the House. We eagerly anticipate your insights, recommendations, and potential opportunities for collaboration.

    “I expect that the results of this assessment will serve as a foundation for your various interventions and support to the House. This does not undermine your ongoing support and identified areas of technical assistance.”

    On the other hand, the partners and stakeholders expressed their readiness to study the terms of reference and continue the engagements with the PCU especially towards the implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House.

    The participants also expressed their support for the NEEDS assessment to be conducted on the National Assembly, especially the House of Reps.

    The stakeholders also noted the importance of introducing technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, in the operations of the National Assembly.

    The partners also emphasised building the confidence of the people in the parliament to reduce the existing trust deficit, while stressing the need to educate the public on the roles and activities of the National Assembly.

    Signed:

    Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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