The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has asserted that the National Assembly remains the most financially under-supported arm of the Nigerian government, despite widespread public perception suggesting otherwise.
Speaking through Hon. Amadi Victor Obuzor, who represents Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency, at the launch of three new legislative digital platforms in Abuja on Wednesday, the Speaker challenged the belief that lawmakers are overfunded, describing it as a deep-rooted misconception.
“Many Nigerians erroneously believe that the National Assembly is overfunded. Sadly, the reality is that the legislature is the most underfunded arm of government,” he stated at the event organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
He further noted that independent evaluations conducted by international development partners have confirmed the underfunding status of the legislature, despite the critical role it plays in governance.
The unveiling ceremony featured the introduction of three tech-driven tools — the PLAC Bills Track, the Legislative Agenda Tracker, and the Legislative Repository — designed to improve transparency, accountability, and public engagement in Nigeria’s legislative process. These platforms offer innovative features, including real-time updates on the progress of bills, full access to legislative texts, data visualisations, and detailed policy analyses.
According to PLAC’s Deputy Executive Director, Omolara Akinyeye, the new digital platforms will enable the Nigerian public and key stakeholders to monitor and understand the legislative process more effectively. She explained that by providing insights into the life cycle of bills and motions, the tools will bridge the gap between the legislature and citizens.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, emphasised the significance of the platforms in strengthening democratic engagement. He stated that while legislators face growing demands from their constituents and other stakeholders, it remains imperative for them to remain focused on their core responsibilities, especially oversight, accountability, and effective representation.
“These platforms are not just about access to information; they are designed to make legislative processes more open, trackable, and participatory. It’s crucial that lawmakers do not lose sight of their principal mandate — to legislate effectively, provide oversight, and serve as the true voice of the people,” Nwankwo said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen democratic governance, enhance institutional transparency, and correct long-held public misperceptions about the workings of the Nigerian legislature. With the launch of these digital tools, stakeholders hope to drive a more informed and engaged citizenry while improving the functionality and credibility of the National Assembly.
KIIN360 will continue to monitor developments from the National Assembly and the implementation of these digital tools as Nigeria advances its commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
