Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-02 04:30:36
The National Assembly has been facing criticism for its failure to effectively carry out its oversight functions, leading to the frustration and sabotage of the implementation of over 270 laws enacted since 1999 to address major issues in the economy. Despite hosting a total of 3,283 legislators over seven different legislative terms and expending N3 trillion on its operations in the last 14 years, the National Assembly has struggled to provide adequate scrutiny and enforce discipline in the execution of laws, especially in areas such as agriculture, electricity, revenue generation, aviation, petroleum and gas, and anti-corruption efforts.
The budget breakdown of the National Assembly shows a consistent allocation of funds ranging from N115 billion in 2015 to N344.85 billion in 2024. However, controversies have arisen over reports that legislators relied on agencies for funding oversight functions, compromising the institution’s responsibility. Civil society organizations (CSOs) along with experts and stakeholders in the economy and business sector have been calling on the National Assembly to take its oversight functions more seriously, particularly in managing the N107 trillion in loans approved and taken so far.
The constitution grants the National Assembly the power to scrutinize and approve loans for the federal government, but concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency in loan utilization. The CSOs have challenged the National Assembly to investigate the $3.4 billion loan collected from the International Monetary Fund in April 2020, with no clear evidence of expenditure. They have also criticized the unaccounted savings from fuel subsidy removal and the escalating debt burden of N107.9 trillion, warning of dire consequences for the economy and citizens if action is not taken swiftly.
Critics have questioned the National Assembly’s effectiveness in exposing corruption, waste, and enforcing changes in existing laws, particularly in the economy-related aspect. Over the years, various sessions of the National Assembly have passed laws aimed at stimulating economic growth, but the lack of compliance and enforcement has hindered progress. The statement by former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, indicating that any request from the President is good for the nation, has raised concerns about the legislature’s independence and oversight role over the executive.
Despite acknowledging its limitations in enforcing laws and combatting corruption, the National Assembly leadership has lamented its powerlessness in curbing wasteful expenditure in government. The legislature has emphasized the need for complementary powers of enforcement to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities. Moving forward, stakeholders, experts, and CSOs continue to emphasize the importance of the National Assembly fulfilling its oversight functions to ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance for the benefit of the Nigerian economy and its citizens.
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