Ugandan lawmakers have arrived in Nigeria to learn about the country’s constituency project system. Their visit includes attending a workshop organized by NILDS to understand the Constituency Development Fund. Discussions focus on enhancing constituency relations and effective fund management to address community needs and improve governance in Uganda.
A delegation from the Ugandan parliament, specifically from the Committee on Budget, has arrived in Nigeria to examine the constituency project system. During a workshop hosted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the committee’s Chairman, Mr. Philip Opolot, expressed their interest in gaining insights into Nigeria’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The workshop was themed ‘Maximising Impact through Effective Utilisation of Constituency Development Fund for Better Quality Representation at Parliament’.
Mr. Opolot noted that in Uganda, all funds are managed by the executive, which undertakes interventions as necessary. He remarked on the ongoing discussions aimed at enabling lawmakers to manage constituency development funds, recognizing that they possess better knowledge of their constituencies’ needs. This workshop aims to provide a deeper understanding of such processes.
In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of NILDS, highlighted the importance of fostering vibrant relations between legislators and their constituents to optimize the use of CDF. He asserted that effective constituency relations are vital for modern democracy as citizens anticipate consistent engagement with their elected officials who can address communal concerns.
Prof. Sulaiman emphasized that satisfactory constituency relations benefit both legislators and constituents. He stated, “On the part of the elected representatives, it helps to generate policy inputs from the constituents, such as their needs… It helps the constituents to present their needs to their representatives.” He further identified CDF as central to improving grassroots development by affording legislators the means to fund community-driven projects effectively.
Ambassador Philip Odidah, the Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, praised the leadership of the National Assembly for their dedication to strengthening legislative institutions throughout Africa. He underscored the indispensable role of parliament in democracy, noting their duty to represent citizens and ensure governance aligns with their aspirations.
The director-general encouraged the parliamentarians to leverage the expertise and insights shared during the workshop as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and cooperation between Nigeria and Uganda in legislative practices.
The visit of Ugandan lawmakers to Nigeria is a strategic effort to enhance their understanding of constituency project systems and funding mechanisms. The collaboration emphasizes the importance of effective constituency relations and transparent fund management, ultimately aiming to improve governance and development in both nations. This initiative also fosters inter-parliamentary cooperation, facilitating the exchange of best practices and legislative experiences.
Original Source: nannews.ng
