Abuja, May 10 – The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, has reiterated the urgent need for Nigeria’s legislature to fully embrace digital technology through the adoption of e-parliament practices to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Speaking at the opening session of a three-day retreat in Abuja, Ogunlana stated that transitioning to an e-parliament is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity for a modern and responsive legislature. The retreat, organized in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is themed “Building an Accountable, Transparent and Resilient Parliament.”
Highlighting the benefits of a digital shift, Ogunlana noted that adopting e-parliament tools would significantly reduce paperwork, enable remote participation, and enhance public access to parliamentary proceedings. He also called for improved security infrastructure within the National Assembly complex to support the digital transformation.
Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Bashir Yero, echoed the Clerk’s position, stating that the world is evolving rapidly and the Nigerian legislature must adapt to avoid being left behind.
The retreat has brought together lawmakers, legislative staff, and policy experts to deliberate on best practices, address challenges, and craft innovative strategies to strengthen the National Assembly’s legislative and oversight functions.
