Speaker Launches Committee to Strengthen Legislative Oversight

By Iyojo Ameh

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards improving legislative operations by inaugurating the House Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, for enhanced legislative oversight within the House.

At a ceremony held in Abuja, the Speaker Abbas made it unequivocally clear that the days of oversight activities lacking actionable reports and unprofessional conduct within committees were over.

“We will no longer conduct oversight without actionable reports. Unprofessional conduct within committees will not be tolerated.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the committee in shaping the success of the 10th House of Representatives, Abbas emphasized that accountability and efficiency in legislative processes would substantially improve through the committee’s vigilant oversight.

The committee’s primary mandate involves overseeing, evaluating, and improving the functionality of all House committees. Ensuring timely submission of committee reports, swift action on assigned tasks, and conducting performance evaluations are among its core responsibilities, with quarterly reports holding significant weight in the eyes of House leadership.

Abbas stressed the profound impact committees have on legislative activities, underlining their role in determining the House’s overall performance and its commitment to fulfilling public obligations. To ensure optimal committee performance, he underscored the need for adequate funding, suitable appointments, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.

He emphasized the importance of committees adhering to ethical standards, staying within their mandates, and meeting the public’s expectations. Abbas noted that meticulous evaluation would facilitate identifying areas for improvement and addressing challenges effectively.

In response, Obinna Aguocha, the Committee Chairman, pledged unwavering commitment to effective execution, promising to enforce compliance with the House’s objectives. He urged colleagues to contribute their expertise and assured an open-door policy for input aimed at advancing the nation.

Aguocha pledged to collaborate closely with House leadership and committee secretariats to ensure seamless operations aligned with the House’s objectives.

The establishment of the House Monitoring and Evaluation Committee reflects a proactive approach aimed at strengthening legislative oversight and accountability, showcasing the House’s dedication to effective governance and heightened performance.