The 24th edition of the Open Governance Forum (OGF) has examined the importance of “Oversight Functions: The Role of the Legislature on Service Delivery,” with emphasis on how legislative monitoring of government activities can improve the welfare of citizens.
The programme is organised by the Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA-NIGERIA) in partnership with the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), with support from Situation Room Nigeria / FCDO Nigeria.
Speaking on the programme, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Kogi State House of Assembly and Member representing Ogori-Magongo State Constituency, explained that legislative oversight is the process through which lawmakers monitor and supervise the activities of the executive arm of government to ensure compliance with laws and budgetary provisions.
He noted that effective oversight helps to guarantee that public funds are properly utilised and that government projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, water supply, roads and security deliver real benefits to citizens.
Honourable Ogunmola further stated that the passage of bills and motions by the current assembly has contributed to strengthening accountability, adding that lawmakers regularly conduct field visits and budget tracking exercises to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies comply with legislative resolutions.
Also speaking on the programme, Idris Miliki, Executive Director of CHRCR, identified major challenges confronting legislative oversight to include, insecurity, inadequate funding, political interference and limited access to relevant government data.
He advised lawmakers to strengthen transparency in governance, engage more with constituents and ensure that public interest remains the primary focus of legislative duties, as a way of rebuilding public trust in government institutions.
They also called on Nigerians to participate in governance by monitoring projects in their communities, attending public hearings and demanding explanations on budget implementation.
The programme concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between the legislature, civil society and the public to enhance service delivery and deepen democratic governance in Nigeria.
The Open Governance Forum is a weekly current affairs programme dedicated to promoting good governance, accountability and citizen participation in public affairs.
