The Managing Director of Prime Consult has called on the Federal Government to invest in digital libraries across the country, emphasizing that such an initiative would significantly boost learning opportunities. This recommendation was made during his address at the National Assembly Library Committee Retreat 2024, held yesterday in Abuja, under the theme: “International Best Practices For Library Management, Research And Documentation.”
Isiakpere explained that the establishment of a National Assembly Library Trust Fund could transform the National Assembly Library into a world-class hub for knowledge pertinent to legislative affairs and national development. He noted that the digital library would ensure equitable access to information for all users, regardless of their individual needs or capabilities.
The retreat also featured a presentation by Vivian Niemanze, who discussed the role of budget research officers and legislative committees’ clerks in expediting the approval process for the MTEF/FSP document, the appropriation bill, and the finance bill. Niemanze stressed the importance of providing legislators with access to reliable government sources for effective oversight and decision-making.
She highlighted the critical role of Legislative Research in planning, budget analysis, policy analysis, and monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing that these activities are crucial for providing independent information to legislators and committee clerks. Niemanze outlined expectations for the retreat, including practical measures for analyzing, monitoring, and evaluating the Federal Government’s budget documents, addressing specific challenges, and enhancing support for legislators.
Niemanze further underscored that effective budgeting and the budgetary process are vital to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development. She cited Sections 80 (1-4) and 81 (1-2) of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to scrutinize and approve annual budget estimates submitted by the President. According to her, a thorough review of the budget is essential to ensure that government resources are allocated to achieve maximum benefit and align with government priorities.
