By Comfort Olayinka
The House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has taken a significant step forward in promoting transparency and accountability in governance with the launch of a digitalized hearing room and a quarterly magazine, PAC News.
The committee, led by Hon. Bamidele Salam, unveiled the innovations as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the 10th House of Representatives, “The People’s House”, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as Speaker.
Hon Bamidele in his speech explains the digitalized hearing room and PAC News magazine are aimed at harnessing technology to drive good governance, transparency, and accountability. The committee hopes to enhance its oversight capabilities, accelerate processes, and respond swiftly to emerging issues and concerns.
He further said the magazine will serve as a platform for sharing the committee’s work, achievements, and challenges, as well as facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices in public financial management.
The launch of PAC News and the digitalized hearing room marks a significant milestone in the committee’s efforts to deepen engagement with the media, civil society, and stakeholders, and to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
He said “These landmark innovations mark a significant step forward in our quest to support the 10th House of Representatives’ vision of open parliament through transparency, digitalization, and citizens’ engagement, in line with agenda 1 (Strengthening Good Governance) and 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of the People’s House’s Legislative Agenda”
“This digitalized hearing room, equipped with digital technologies such as laptops with over 100 resources, unlimited internet facilities, large-screen multimedia, and other technical devices for e-hearing, represents a major milestone in our committee’s history. I am proud to say that we are now better equipped to discharge our constitutional mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Through this platform, we will be able to:
Conduct virtual hearings and meetings, reducing the need for physical presence and increasing our reach and accessibility”
“Access and review documents and pieces of evidence submitted/presented by Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) of government electronically, streamlining our review process and reducing paperwork.
Engage with stakeholders and the public in real-time, increasing transparency and public participation”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who is also a special guest at the occasion,during his speech revealed plans to amend the Standing Orders to integrate e-petitions and enhance the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for receiving and processing public petitions.
He said the move aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of petition procedures, empowering citizens to engage more effectively in the legislative process.
The digitalized hearing room and PAC News Magazine are part of the committee’s efforts to deepen engagement with the media, civil society, and stakeholders, and to expand communication with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government.
The magazine will serve as a platform for sharing the committee’s work, achievements, and challenges, and for facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices in public financial management.
The Speaker commended the Public Accounts Committee for their efforts in promoting transparency and accountability, emphasizing the crucial role of their work in nation-building.
The event marked a significant step forward in the committee’s commitment to harnessing technology to drive good governance and accountability.
“Let us persist in harnessing technology and innovation to elevate our endeavors,” he urged, highlighting the importance of leveraging modern tools for enhanced effectiveness.
“Rest assured, you have our continued support and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of these projects.
“Together, we will work to expand these initiatives to achieve even greater impact,”.
Incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the work of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of parliaments is essential for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the oversight of public funds.
“Advanced digital tools and platforms streamline data analysis, facilitate real-time monitoring, and ensure comprehensive documentation of proceedings, thereby making the oversight process more effective and accessible.
“The Nigerian House of Representatives is deeply committed to this goal, recognizing that leveraging technology is crucial for fostering good governance and inclusive participation.
“By investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and continuously updating our technological capabilities, we aim to set a benchmark in legislative excellence and responsiveness to the needs of the Nigerian people.
“The digitalized hearing room is now equipped with advanced technologies and resources, including comprehensive legal references such as the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1960-2024), Financial Regulations (2009), and the Procurement Act, among other relevant laws.
“This room features a large smart screen multimedia and other technical devices to facilitate e-hearings, thereby increasing efficiency, ensuring speedy consideration of cases, and promoting the effective delivery of our constitutional mandates,” he said.
