Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, Esq, has underscored the necessity of digital technology in the upgrade of legislative practises and processes in line with the concept of e-parliament.
Ogunlana stated this in a keynote address he delivered at the formal opening of a three-day retreat for top management of the National Assembly organised in conjunction with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) held in Abuja.
He stated that the agenda issues at the retreat would include the need to embrace digital technology, enhanced security and conditions of service for staff members.
According to Ogunlana, “Embracing digital technology is not an option, but a necessity. As a parliament, it is high time we upgraded our practices and processes in line with the concept of E- Parliament.
“I am mindful that the integration of digital technologies into the parliamentary process in Nigeria was delayed because the repealed Evidence Act which was enacted in June 1945 prohibited the admission of computer-generated evidence in Nigeria courts.
“The new Evidence Act 2004 has removed this obstacle. Therefore, there should not be any hesitation to integrate digital technology in parliamentary practices and processes.
“Failure to integrate digital technology in parliamentary practices and processes exposes us to the risk of another shutdown of parliament as was experienced during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 and the consequent lockdown in 2020.
“The National Assembly should be intentional in adopting the concept of E-Parliament because this reduces paperwork, allows lawmakers to participate in sessions and vote without being physically present, gives members of the public access to parliamentary proceedings, documents and records online, makes tracking by the Management of legislative processes including the drafting, debating and amendment of bills easier.
“We must deliberate on the implementation strategies that will bring this vision to life at a minimal cost.”
Ogunlana said that parliaments worldwide prioritised security, adding, “that is why they are allowed to establish and manage their own in-house security outfits which are called Serjeant-At-Arms in most Commonwealth countries.
“It is concerning that unauthorised persons access the National Assembly Complex unabated because of the growing challenges of insecurity. This development is unacceptable considering the security risk it poses to the complex, lawmakers, staff and visitors.
“I urge you to come up with innovative ideas or mechanisms for regulating access and identification process with a view to enhancing security within the National Assembly complex.”
He also tasked the retreat on staff members’ welfare and conditions of service.
According to him, “our workforce is of utmost importance to our growth and development, and the welfare of our staff members is of fundamental essence to our institutional strength.
“Our demonstrated commitment to the welfare of our staff members is a departure from the era of protest over enhanced conditions of service. Regardless of the increasing budgetary challenges, the current Management has prioritised the welfare of staff members and has triggered innovative template to collaborate with the National Assembly Service Commission and relevant agencies of government to ensure seamless welfare schemes.
‘We envisage to deploy the criteria of merit and skill sets for our talent hunt in the employment process.”
Ogunlana also dwelled on building public trust, saying it was essential for the reputation of the National Assembly.
He said: “I implore you to explore strategies to enhance public participation in the activities of the National Assembly, to foster a sense of ownership among our citizens and showcase our commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Again, parliaments in established democracies serve as a tourism hub and by so doing, contribute to human asset development, national growth and prosperity.
“The potential of the National Assembly Complex serving as a tourism hub holds significant opportunities. We must also address the setbacks we face and strategize on how to overcome these obstacles to maximise the benefits for our institution and the nation.”
