The Speaker, House of Representatives says a strong legislature is essential to deepening democracy, implementing reforms, providing oversight, and ensuring accountability.
Abbas Tajudeen stated this at the formal presentation of a Parliamentary Development Programme to the Diplomatic Corps, Development partners and donor agencies in Abuja.
The Parliamentary Development Programme is an initiative to strengthen legislative capacity and promote sustainable development across Nigeria.
The initiative was conceived after the inauguration of the 10th House and had the support of the United Nations Development, UNDP and other development partners.
The progamme of action is now ready for implementation as the Speaker formally presents it to the public including the diplomatic corps , local and international donor agencies.
Mr. Speaker acknowledges their contributions to the nation’s socio-political and economic development particularly in such sectors as health, security and governance.
He says the Programme being unveiled is not merely about capacity building but an investment in the heart of Nigeria’s democracy.
High turnover of members remains a challenge to developmental democracy, with 281of 360 members elected new in the 10th House.
The expectation is that the Programme will boost the institutional capacity necessary to deliver on reforms in many sectors.
All the development partners,, through the UNDP, renew commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democracy through the parliament.
The initiative comes at a time the House has set an ambitious Legislative Agenda which the Speaker says aligns with President Bola Tinubu administration’s goals.
