By Steven Atokolo
The National Assembly has prioritised enhancing staff welfare, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the highest standards of professionalism in legislative service delivery.
This was contained in a Keynote Address delivered by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq. at the training organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for Staff of the Offices of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) and Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA) on Thursday, in Abuja
He said the training was designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute effectively to legislative governance.
Mr. Ogunlana said the participants must also explore innovative ways to integrate technology into legislative procedures, ensuring that the National Assembly operates with the highest level of efficiency and responsiveness, which includes the use of digital tools for knowledge-sharing, communication, and legislative record-keeping, as well as embracing digital platforms for engaging the public in the legislative process and building resilient parliament.
“As we embark on this training, let us bear in mind the critical role each one of us plays in shaping the future of Nigeria’s legislative governance. It is through our collective efforts, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the principles of good governance that we can ensure the continued success of the National Assembly and the fulfilment of its constitutional duties”.
The theme of this training, “Enhancing Institutional Efficiency and Legislative Support Services,” is quite timely. It underscores the urgent need to strengthen the legislative framework and improve the operational capacities of the National Assembly.
He told the gathering that it was crucial that they understand the role of the National Assembly Management in strengthening legislative governance, adding that “our discussion must be anchored on our shared commitment to advancing national development through effective, transparent, and accountable governance.
According to him, it is the responsibility of the Management to facilitate the legislative processes, which includes ensuring that the workflow of bills and motions is smooth and efficient, that debates are well-organized, and that members have access to the resources they need to make informed decisions.
In managing the internal operations of the National Assembly including staffing, budgeting and resources, Ogunlana Esq said in that regard, “the Management ensures that all funds and other resources of the institution are effectively utilized in line with extant rules and regulations.
“The Clerk to the National Assembly as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer has the responsibility to deploy staff to where their services are needed, ensure effective utilization of funds, curb wastage, identify fraud and sanction infractions.
On capacity building, the CNA said the training and retraining of lawmakers and staff is one of the key responsibilities of the Management and he was glad to inform the participants that the National Assembly Service prioritizes the continuous development of lawmakers and staff.
The establishment of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) is a testament to the commitment of the Management to enhancing the capacity of lawmakers and their support staff, he said.
By investing in retreats such as this, trainings and mentorship, the Management empowers staff to perform their roles with excellence. A well-informed and skilled workforce is crucial for effective legislative governance.
He said for any meaningful legislative activities to take place, the security of lawmakers and staff within the precincts of the National Assembly must be guaranteed.
This explains why the National Assembly has a specialized security outfit called the Serjeant-At-Arms department which is responsible for the security of lawmakers and staff within the precincts of the National Assembly.
The security roles of the Serjeant-At-Arms is complemented by the regular security agencies. Besides, the Serjeant-At-Arms department regulates access into the National Assembly Complex and assist the Presiding Officers or Chairmen of Committee to enforce order and decorum during sittings.
In his welcome address, Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC) said the National Assembly is a partner in the development of democracy, adding “we cannot allow it to derail” and assuring of continued collaboration in terms of strengthening committees of the National Assembly in order to build the reputation of the offices.
He said PLAC will continue to support both legislators and staff of the National Assembly to adopt new innovations through updating and equipping of their offices with training and retraining for capacity building.
