The Nigerian Senate has recently established the Committee on Legislative Compliance with the aim of strictly enforcing its resolutions across all its standing committees as well as within all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government. This move comes as part of the Senate’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of its decisions and promoting accountability.
Chaired by Senator Musa Maidoki of Kebbi South, the committee was inaugurated by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Southern Senators’ Forum in the ninth National Assembly. Senator Bamidele emphasized the committee’s mandate to oversee the work of other standing committees as well as monitor the compliance of all MDAs in the federal government.
Highlighting the significance of the committee’s responsibilities, Senator Bamidele stated, “The mandate bestowed upon the Committee on Legislative Compliance is indeed substantial and of national importance. Implicit compliance with the resolutions of the Senate, across all committees and MDAs, is a pressing necessity that needs to be addressed.”
He further stressed the authority of the committee, stating, “The Committee on Legislative Compliance holds the power to summon any individual, senator, ministry, department, or agency in order to ensure compliance with our resolutions. Therefore, the committee is entrusted with the responsibility of upholding Senate policies.”
Senator Bamidele also encouraged the committee chair, Senator Musa Maidoki, to proactively shape the committee’s agenda and ensure its effectiveness. “The committee’s potential size and strength depend on the vision and action of its chairman,” he remarked at the inaugural meeting.
Addressing the purpose of the committee, Senator Bamidele emphasized the need for strict adherence to legislation enacted by the National Assembly. He stated, “Our country’s challenge lies not in the creation of laws but rather in the absolute compliance with laws passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.”
Senator Bamidele further reaffirmed the committee’s authority, adding, “The Committee on Legislative Compliance possesses the mandate to summon any senator who fails to comply with the rules of the Senate.” He clarified, however, that the committee is not meant to be adversarial towards anyone. Its primary objective is to ensure the comprehensive implementation of the Senate’s resolutions.
During the inaugural meeting, Senator Maidoki reassured the Senate leadership of the committee’s commitment to diligently carry out the mandate entrusted to them.
