ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

…as PAC strengthen audit monitoring,accountability mechanisms across regional institutions

By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the ECOWAS Parliament have concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop in Accra, Ghana, designed to enhance their ability to scrutinise public spending and strengthen accountability across institutions of the regional bloc.

The training programme focused on improving lawmakers’ understanding of oversight responsibilities, particularly in monitoring expenditure by the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament and the Community Court of Justice.

Speaking after the workshop, the Committee’s First Rapporteur, Senator Osita Izunaso from Nigeria, described the exercise as highly beneficial, saying it had provided participants with practical knowledge to perform their duties more effectively.

“This capacity building has helped us to carry out our legislative oversight duties more effectively,” he said.

According to him, the committee had in the past struggled to fully discharge some of its responsibilities due to limited understanding of its mandate and operational procedures.

“Members did not fully understand their roles or what they were supposed to do,” Izunaso explained.

Over the course of the training, participants examined audit-tracking mechanisms and explored ways of strengthening collaboration with other parliamentary committees responsible for administration, finance and budget matters.

“Today we looked at the recommendations of the tracking system, how we can track the audit, and we examined our job as it relates to the administration, finance, and budget committee. We reviewed both our mandate and theirs to ensure there is no friction,” he added.

He noted that discussions also highlighted some of the challenges confronting the committee, particularly regarding the scope of its authority within the ECOWAS Parliament.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts by the regional legislature to improve transparency, accountability and institutional effectiveness across ECOWAS bodies, while equipping lawmakers with the tools needed to strengthen financial oversight and ensure prudent management of community resources.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It was jubilation galore midweek as the Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District , Haruna Manu moved for the completion of a health facility abandoned over 40 years ago in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area.

On behalf of the Senator, Professor Yusha’au Bali, has officially flagged off the completion of a comprehensive health center in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area.

This beautiful development addresses a critical need for the community, as the hospital project had remained unfinished for over 40 years.

The residents of Garba chede expressed great joy and gratitude for the Senator’s commitment to finally set to completing the long-awaited healthcare facility.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District Senator Haruna Manu has facilitated with his constituents and Nigerians as the country celebrates 27 years of unbroken democracy enjoining Nigerians to remain steadfast.

Senator Manu disclosed this in a congratulatory message where he enjoined his constituents to remain steadfast and still have faith in the Nigerian project as better days are ahead of us.

The immediate past deputy governor of Taraba called on all Nigerians to continue to believe in democratic governance.

He advised youths to remain consistent and actively participate in the Nigerian democratic process as it can speed up their growth in all human endeavours.

Congratulations as we celebrate today.