Introduction to Legislative Compliance
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the importance of compliance with Senate resolutions by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government. He stated that compliance is not optional but binding on MDAs and other public institutions.
The Importance of Legislative Compliance
Akpabio made this statement at the 2nd National Workshop organised by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, which had the theme "Consolidating Strategies for Strengthening Legislative Compliance by MDAs." He noted that compliance is a constitutional obligation owed by all arms and levels of government to the people of Nigeria. According to him, laws, policies, and oversight functions are meant to guide the execution of government programmes in a manner that ensures transparency, equity, and effectiveness.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The President of the Senate warned that when departments and agencies fail to comply with legislative directives, they undermine not just the authority of the legislature but the collective will of the Nigerian people. He also stated that when public institutions ignore legislative resolutions, when compliance becomes selective, and when oversight is treated with disdain, the result is a breakdown in trust.
Need for Collaboration
Akpabio stressed the need for public institutions to work closely with the National Assembly to develop an egalitarian society. He assured that the National Assembly remains unwavering in its resolve to ensure that its resolutions are not only respected but also implemented. He emphasized that enforcement must be accompanied by engagement.
Challenges of Legislative Compliance
Sen. Ede Dafinone, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, decried the non-compliance of some MDAs to National Assembly resolutions. He noted that the workshop was aimed at providing a platform for stakeholders to critically examine the root causes of non-compliance, which include legal ambiguity, institutional rivalry, capacity gaps, and bureaucratic challenges.
Call to Action
Dafinone urged MDAs to collectively work towards bridging the gap between legislation and execution for good governance, institutional effectiveness, and the benefit of the Nigerian people. Mr Francis Usani, Director of Fraud Risk Assessment, Prevention and Control, commended the initiators of the workshop, emphasizing that democracy can only be sustained where laws are made and obeyed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the President of the Senate and other stakeholders have emphasized the importance of compliance with legislative resolutions by MDAs. They have warned that non-compliance can lead to a breakdown in trust and undermine the authority of the legislature. It is essential for public institutions to work closely with the National Assembly to develop an egalitarian society and ensure that laws are made and obeyed.
FAQs
- What is the importance of legislative compliance?
Legislative compliance is essential for ensuring transparency, equity, and effectiveness in the execution of government programmes. - What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Non-compliance can lead to a breakdown in trust and undermine the authority of the legislature. - What is the role of the National Assembly in ensuring compliance?
The National Assembly is responsible for making laws and ensuring that its resolutions are respected and implemented. - What are the challenges of legislative compliance?
The challenges of legislative compliance include legal ambiguity, institutional rivalry, capacity gaps, and bureaucratic challenges.
