From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has said that local government administration is crucial to national development because of its proximity to the people.
The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, stated this while declaring open a retreat organised by the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Bagama & Networks Ltd for council officials, in Abuja.
Abbas, who was represented by Paschal Agbodike, noted that local government, as the third tier of government, helps to bridge the gap between the central government and the citizens.
Consequently, he noted that the House is committed to strengthening local government administration as a people-oriented parliament.
According to him, “It is important to emphasise that the local government is the lowest tier of government that bridges the gap between the people and the central government.
“The 10th Assembly is a people-oriented House that protects the interests of the common man. It supports the affairs of the local council. The relationship the local government shares with government is important for the smooth running of the government.
“It is the responsibility of the local government to bring the activities of the government to the grassroots. Whatever we are doing here must get back home to be effective.”
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Public Accounts has said it is set to host the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), scheduled to be held in Abuja next week.
The chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, who stated this at a press briefing in Abuja, said the conference, with the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Public Debt: The Role of Finance and Public Accounts Committees,” is expected to attract over 300 participants, including lawmakers, auditors, fiscal policy experts, and others from across West Africa and beyond.
According to him, “This conference provides a robust platform for learning, engagement, and experience-sharing among committees and key stakeholders. It will help advance fiscal responsibility and transparency across the sub-region.”
