The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said a well-functioning parliament, with the right support systems, is the cornerstone of democracy.
The minister made this known during the opening ceremony of the 9th National and States Assembly Service Commissions conference, at the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development in Abuja.
Wike, who was represented by the FCT minister of state, Mariya Mahmoud, said legislative bodies are the heart of democracy and that dedicated individuals who support and serve within the legislature are the lifeblood of the system.
He noted that the theme of the conference, “Excellence in Parliamentary Services: A Panacea for Good Legislation for Democratic Governance,” underscored the pivotal role parliamentary services play in the proper functioning of democracy.
“It emphasises the need for excellence, efficiency, and effectiveness in parliamentary services to ensure that our legislative bodies can optimally fulfill their duties to the people.
“I applaud the work that you do, the sacrifices you make, and the commitment you demonstrate daily in the service of our nation,” he said.
He further posited that the conference serves as a unique forum for parliamentarians to deliberate, collaborate, and share experiences and insights.
The minister, while noting that it is an opportunity to foster cooperation, exchange best practices, and learn from one another in the collective pursuit of excellence in parliamentary service, advised all participants to engage fully and actively in the discussions that would take place during the conference.
“I equally urge you to collaborate with your peers from across the country to identify innovative solutions that can enhance the quality of our legislative process,” he added.
Earlier, chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Engr. Ahmed Amshi said the commission’s objective is to provide the platform for streamlining operational procedures and adopting common conditions and schemes of service for parliamentary bureaucracy across the nation.
He also said the aim was to build an excellent workforce that would provide bureaucratic support for effective legislation for good democratic governance and sustainable development of the country.
Amshi called on states that are yet to establish State Assembly Service Commissions to do so, stressing that significant achievements have been recorded in states that have established State Assembly Service Commissions.