Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has advocated for a more robust relationship between the National Assembly and civil society groups. During the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, he noted that while Nigeria has enjoyed 25 years of continuous democracy, citizens often do not see the direct benefits of legislative actions.
Dogara highlighted the discrepancy between funds approved by the legislature and the reality on the ground. He argued that oversight must not be a mere formality but a powerful tool to eliminate corruption and ensure public resources are used effectively. He praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for hosting the open week, noting that such transparency is essential for connecting with the public.
Describing civil society as the ears and eyes of the government, Dogara explained that these organizations often hold vital information about project implementation that lawmakers lack. He insisted that institutions should welcome public scrutiny rather than fear it. The former speaker pointed to the gap in budget implementation as a major failure of accountability rather than a lack of resources.
Finally, he called on the National Assembly to make its partnership with civil society a permanent, institutionalized practice rather than an occasional event. By working together, lawmakers and civil society can ensure that government policies actually improve the lives of the Nigerian people.
