Reps promise to review CAMA Act

The Company and Allied Matters Act will be reviewed by the House of Representatives in an effort to improve the functioning of civil society organizations in the nation.

This is a portion of the 10th House’s legislative agenda, which is directed by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and includes the Open Parliament and Citizens Engagement component.

Abbas stressed the importance of public participation during the agenda unveiling in November 2023, saying, “The 10th House will ensure that legislative processes are transparent and make our records, proceedings, and decisions accessible.” Public confidence in the democratic process is increased when they can observe how decisions are made.

Calls have intensified in recent times for the regulations of activities of CSOs to enable them to play their part in the consolidation process.

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The Speaker, however, pledged to “establish formalised partnership with non-governmental organisations and CSOs that promote transparency, accountability and public engagement.”

To realise this objective, one of the tasks before the lawmakers on resumption of plenary next week is the “Review of CAMA Act and other legislations to remove barriers that hinder CSOs from delivering on their mandate.”

A member of the House Committee on Commerce said the House would identify relevant organisations for partnership on ways to promote openness in the conduct of government business.

The lawmaker who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said, “I am sure you are aware that the House already has a good relationship with such bodies as YIAGA his Africa, Follow the Money, BudgIT and a host of others.

“We will work with these groups and encourage them to assist us in deepening the democratic conversations. As CSOs, their job is cut out for them and we will make sure that we support them to deliver the goods for Nigerians.