Transparent Governments Are More Accountable To Their Citizens – Ahmad Lawan

Sen. Ahmad Lawan recently said 2018 Budget of the National Assembly would be made public in line with the its policy of openness and accountability.

He described the initiative as an evolving one, adopted by parliaments all over the world.

“Increasingly, governments around the world are promoting initiatives in transparency‎.

“Governments that are open and transparent are more accountable to their citizens and are less likely to be corrupt.

“Openness generates trust in government and also paves the way for meaningful participation by citizens and more informed and better policies.

“Around the world, an increasing number of parliaments are being more proactive in the provision of information.

“This has become easier with the proliferation of the internet and access to Information Communication Technology (ICT).

“Many parliaments are now uploading significant‎ documents such as daily order papers, draft laws and committee reports for distribution.

“It is against this background that the National Assembly has initiated the Open Week to open the National Assembly to the public,’’ he said.

“Series of activities during the `Open Week’ will include interactive sessions with various interest groups, question and answer sessions.

“It also includes exhibitions and tours, planned over a four-day period to raise awareness on legislative initiative and activities,’’ Lawan said.