We’ll encourage lawmakers to implement constituency projects, says reps committee

The house of representatives committee on constituency project outreach says it will now encourage lawmakers to monitor and ensure the successful implementation of their constituency projects.

The committee reached the decision at the end of a two-day agenda setting retreat held in Owerri, Imo state capital.

The committee in a communique signed by its members said discussions at the retreat were on oversight, constituency projects for inclusive governance, constituency engagement and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

“At the end of the retreat, the Committee resolved as follows: To utilize its powers and mandate to ensure proper education and improve citizens understanding of constituency projects and effective ways of engaging lawmakers on constituency project implementation. This will build public trust and promote democratic accountability,” the communique read.

“To ensure proper implementation and release of funds for members’ constituency projects in line with the demands of their constituents. The committee also commits to provide an updated database of constituency projects as allocated in the Appropriation Act annually for ease of monitoring and assessment of constituency projects.

“To deploy its oversight powers to ensure that members set up functional constituency offices as statutorily required. This will enable effective communication between constituents and their representatives and deepen legislative accountability. The Committee is committed to promoting regular engagement between constituents and their representatives to promote inclusive governance.

“To encourage lawmakers to monitor and ensure the successful implementation of their constituency projects and for ease of identification appropriated constituency projects should labelled as ‘facilitated by’ in place of ‘donated by’.”

The committee also said it would partner with civil society organisations (CSOs) and development partners in the monitoring and tracking of constituency projects and constituency offices.