Opinion
NASC and NASS ; Synergizing to Improve Capacity Building, Law Making
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The concept of capacity building and development rejigged by the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and National Assembly NASS was not restricted to only the lower, middle and high cadre alone , but geared towards updating the capacity and experiences of both the top management staff of the two agencies which included both Chairman and top management, National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE and his commissioners along with top management of the National Assembly led by the Clerk to the National Assembly CNA, Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal.
The recently concluded four day capacity building and retreat for top management of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and National Assembly NASS held at the Transcorp Hilton was a pointer to the determination of the current management to transform the entire scope of staff development and advancement along with promotion of digital era.
This was coming when the National Assembly leadership both in the lower and upper chamber went on their annual recess and preparation to resume plenary after the usual session.
The event crucial to the continuous development and complimentary roles been played by the NASC and NASS, no doubt will further improve the quality of lawmaking to ordinary Nigerians by the red and green chambers of the National Assembly.
The weeklong retreat for . management staff of NASC and NASS which commenced on Wednesday, September 12th ran through Sunday, September 15th to deliberate on critical issues that bordered on the development, promotion and advancement of the workings of the legislative arm of government in Nigeria.
The routine event became germane and recurring particularly in the current 10th National Assembly were both lawmakers at the green and red chambers are wholly new comers who needed much legislative and administrative workings of the commission and management of NASS to function properly.
With 80 percent population of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate coming for the first time , it is needful to engage all cadres of staffers through training, retraining, orientation, awareness and capacity building so as to input fresh knowledge which will translate to legislative achievements at the both chambers.
Hence the insistence of the management of the National Assembly under Sani Magaji Tambawal to indulged in continuous reorientation of ots staffers at all cadres which commenced in earnest from both the lower , middle, intermediate, senior end now management staff cannot overlooked.
Coming at a time when the Executive arm of government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also looking for synergy and good working relationship with the new federal lawmakers, the desire to continue to impact veritable and needed knowledge and experiences on the entire echelon of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and National Assembly NASS cannot be over emphasized.
The four day retreat with the theme , “Promoting Inter-Institutional Synergy for Enhanced Legislative Performance,” underscores the critical importance of collaboration and cooperation between the National Assembly Service Commission and the National Assembly.”
In his opening and exhaustive remarks at the occasion, the organizers of the program under the leadership of Sani Magaji Tambawal, the Clerk to the National Assembly CNA stresses the need to continue to collaborate with its employers , the National Assembly Service Commission NASC to ensure a seamless program and activities of the National Assembly.
His address goes thus at the four day event with a Communique expected to be issued after the event .
“I am highly honoured to welcome you all to this 4-day retreat for the top management of the National Assembly Service Commission and the National Assembly. Indeed, I am particularly delighted to see everyone here today, ready to engage in insightful deliberations and collaborative brainstorming sessions that will shape the future of our institutions.”
“This retreat is not only timely, but crucial. As the engine room of the legislature, we bear the enormous responsibility of providing seamless administrative and legislative support to the National Assembly. This shared goal is what has brought us here to reinforce the synergy between our institutions to enhance the effectiveness of the nation’s legislative process.”
“The theme of this retreat, “Promoting Inter-Institutional Synergy for Enhanced Legislative Performance,” underscores the critical importance of collaboration and cooperation between the National Assembly Service Commission and the National Assembly. ”
“Even though, we each have different roles and responsibilities, our success is intertwined. A robust and efficient National Assembly requires a strong partnership between and among all departments and organs.”
“Over the last one year plus, we have tried to administer the National Assembly bureaucracy according to our reading of the enabling laws and rules within its bounds. However, not everyone may find our strategy and scorecard to be as impressive as we do. ”
“We might be oblivious of the numerous issues that have remained unresolved as a result of our actions and inactions. Therefore, over the next four days, we shall be focusing on interactive discussions aimed at unravelling the issues hindering our collective progress and chart the way forward. ”
“Consequently, this retreat provides a valuable opportunity for us to:
engage in deep introspection and critical assessment of our current level of inter-institutional collaboration, identifying strengths to build upon and bottlenecks impeding optimal synergy;
strategise on how to enhance our efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery;
strengthen the existing synergy between the NASC and NASS;
equip ourselves for the challenges ahead, bearing in mind the constantly evolving legislative landscape; and
empower us with the knowledge, skills and a shared vision necessary for navigating emerging challenges.”
“My distinguished colleagues and bosses here present, the task before us is weighty and enormous. But I am confident that with our dedication and commitment, we will emerge from this retreat with a renewed sense of purpose and a concrete roadmap for enhanced inter-institutional synergy for the success of the legislature. ”
“It is on these notes, I urge each and every one of us to actively participate in all sessions, share ideas and contribute meaningfully to the deliberations.
“Let us remember that the success of this retreat depends largely on our individual and collective commitment to the task ahead.”
The event attracted presentation of papers on various ways of collaboration with the NASC and NASS management by various facilitators and experts in the management of democratic norms and legislative workings and support.
With the renewed vigour under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the management of the National Assembly under the leadership of Sani Magaji Tambawal and the National Assembly Service Commission NASC under the leadership of Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE and his commissioners, no doubt the new wave of prioritizing capacity building and development at the National Assembly will go a long way into resolving the highly needed reforms and desire for capacity building and advancement at the National Assembly which will in turn affect positively the process of lawmaking at the National Assembly.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.