By Mercy Aikoye
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana, has emphasized that embracing digital technology is a necessity for the Nigerian Parliament, rather than an option. He made this statement during a three-day retreat organized by the National Assembly in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The retreat’s theme, “Building an Accountable, Transparent and Resilient Parliament; the role of the National Assembly Top Management,” resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving National Assembly Service landscape.
Ogunlana noted that the National Assembly Service is dynamic and continually faces new challenges while opening up fresh opportunities. The retreat aimed to address these challenges, explore new areas, and create innovative team-building plans to harness human assets. He stressed that embracing digital technology is crucial for the parliament’s efficiency and effectiveness.
The CNA highlighted the importance of adopting the concept of E-Parliament, which involves integrating digital technologies into parliamentary practices and processes. This would reduce paperwork, enable lawmakers to participate in sessions and vote remotely, and provide public access to parliamentary proceedings and documents online. He emphasized that the new Evidence Act 2004 has removed obstacles to integrating digital technology in parliamentary practices.
Ogunlana warned that failure to adopt digital technology would expose the parliament to risks, such as shutdowns during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the National Assembly to be intentional about implementing E-Parliament, deliberating on strategies to bring this vision to life at minimal cost.
The CNA also raised concerns about security within the National Assembly complex, noting that unauthorized persons access the premises unabated. He emphasized the need for innovative ideas to regulate access control and identification processes, enhancing security for lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
In his address, Deputy Clerk Eng. Bashir Yero stated that the world is evolving, and the National Assembly should not be left behind. He emphasized the importance of exploring best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions to enhance accountability, transparency, and resilience within the National Assembly.
The retreat provided a vital opportunity for the National Assembly to reflect, strategize, and lay actionable plans that will shape its future, ensuring it remains accountable, transparent, and resilient in the face of emerging challenges.
