Speaker Abbas Decries Underfunding Of National Assembly, Launches New Digital Legislative Platforms.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has described the National Assembly as the most underfunded arm of the Nigerian government, countering widespread public perceptions of excessive legislative spending.
Abbas made the assertion on Wednesday during the launch of three innovative digital platforms at the Lagos/Osun Hall of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. The platforms – the Bill Tracking Website, the Legislative Tracker, and the Legislative Resources Repository – were unveiled by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and accessibility within Nigeria’s legislative process.
Speaking through his representative, Amadi Victor Obuzor, who represents Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency, the Speaker stated, “Many Nigerians believe erroneously that the National Assembly is overfunded. Sadly, the National Assembly is the most underfunded arm of the government.”
He further noted that assessments conducted by development partners had corroborated this claim, revealing significant funding gaps within the legislative institution.
Abbas highlighted the newly launched digital tools as vital to reshaping public perception and improving engagement with the National Assembly’s work. “These platforms present an opportunity for citizens to come to terms with the realities of legislative processes and the challenges we face,” he said.
PLAC’s Deputy Executive Director, Omolara Akinyeye, provided an overview of the platforms, emphasising their role in simplifying access to legislative data and processes. She explained that the Bill Tracking Website allows users to monitor the progress of bills within the National Assembly, offering access to their current status, full text, and relevant analyses.
“The platforms are designed to inform citizens and stakeholders through infographics and commentary on selected bills,” Akinyeye said, stressing that the tools would improve legislative oversight and foster increased public participation in governance.
The digital initiative is expected to bridge the information gap between the legislature and the public, while also promoting transparency and legislative efficiency across Nigeria.
