…….Guwor, Ohwovoriole Pledges Commitment to Strengthening Law Implementation
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has extended its Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) initiative to the Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA), reaffirming its dedication to strengthening legislative accountability, transparency, and evidence-based governance in Nigeria.
The expansion builds on the success of Nigeria’s first dedicated PLS Unit established by WFD at the Oyo State House of Assembly, which has since become a model for institutionalising the practice across state legislatures in the country.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop in Asaba on Thursday, WFD Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, said the initiative, themed “Enhancing the Impact of Sub-National Assemblies through Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS),” is designed to equip lawmakers and legislative staff with the skills to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of laws.
Olorunmola explained that Post-Legislative Scrutiny enables parliaments to go beyond passing laws to ensuring those laws achieve their intended results and improve citizens’ lives. He noted that the Delta State programme, features a baseline assessment of participants’ knowledge, tailored training sessions, and the piloting of a dedicated PLS Unit within the Assembly.
According to him, the initiative also seeks to strengthen collaboration between the legislature and the executive, fostering more coordinated and impactful governance outcomes.
In his keynote address, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and National Treasurer of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, described Post-Legislative Scrutiny as a critical mechanism for effective lawmaking and democratic accountability.
“For any legislature serious about transparency, accountability, and good governance, PLS is not optional but essential,” Guwor stated. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to partnering with WFD and other stakeholders to institutionalise PLS as part of its legislative processes, adding that it aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the quality and impact of laws enacted in the state.
Also speaking, the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), cited examples of laws passed by the Assembly that would benefit from review under PLS. He emphasized that systematic scrutiny would ensure that legislation continues to meet the needs of citizens and contributes to sustainable development.
Ohwovoriole assured that the Ministry of Justice would sustain its collaboration with the WFD, the Assembly, and other partners to ensure laws serve as “bridges to meaningful development, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security” in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
The workshop brought together members of the Delta State House of Assembly, senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, permanent secretaries, legal drafters, and representatives of development partners.
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a UK public body supporting democratic institutions globally, remains committed to promoting transparent, inclusive, and responsive governance across Nigeria through its legislative development and reform programmes.
