Agbakoba Urges National Assembly To Lead By Example In Transparency, Accountability, And Integrity

A former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has called for robust collaboration among the legislature, executive, private sector, civil society, and development partners to address the challenges bedeviling the country.

Agbakoba also stressed the need for the National Assembly to lead by example in terms of transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Unveiling two publications by Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), an associate partner and head of Government and Public Sector Practice, OAL, Mr. Collins Okeke, said that the publications were meant to raise awareness about pressing issues facing Nigeria.

The two publications are: “Shaping Nigeria’s Future: Critical Governance Issues for 2024 and Beyond” and the “Simplified Manual on Environmental Justice in Nigeria.”

Okeke stated that the publications focused on implementation plan that prioritises revenue generation, job creation, poverty reduction, and economic growth.

He said: “Both publications aim to raise awareness about pressing issues facing Nigeria, such as governance challenges and environmental injustice, and to encourage public engagement and dialogue on these topics.

“At OAL, we believe it is imperative to address the most pressing governance challenges facing our nation. ‘Shaping Nigeria’s Future: Critical Governance Issues for 2024 and Beyond,’ provides an in-depth analysis of ten key areas: political, constitutional, regulatory, administrative, electoral, legal, judicial, economic, trade, and maritime governance.

“The report highlights the need for the National Assembly to work closely with the Executive to develop a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) implementation plan that prioritizes revenue generation, job creation, poverty reduction, and economic growth.

“It also emphasises the importance of reviewing and reforming existing laws and regulations to align them with Nigeria’s current realities and aspirations.

“The report calls for a collaborative approach between the legislature, executive, private sector, civil society, and development partners to ensure effective implementation.

“It also stresses the need for the National Assembly to lead by example in terms of transparency, accountability, and integrity.

“Alongside this report, we are proud to launch the “Simplified Manual on Environmental Justice in Nigeria,” a resource designed to empower communities, activists, lawyers, and policymakers in the fight against environmental injustice.

“The manual provides a comprehensive overview of environmental justice issues in Nigeria, including oil pollution, gas flaring, deforestation, flooding, and waste mismanagement.

‘It also analySes the legal and policy frameworks for environmental protection, highlighting key national laws, regional treaties, and international agreements.

“The environmental justice manual features inspiring case studies of successful environmental litigation in Nigeria and globally, demonstrating the power of strategic legal action in securing remedies for affected communities.

“It also offers practical strategies for enforcing environmental rights, such as grassroots advocacy, strategic litigation, leveraging technology, and international advocacy.”

He stated that “at OAL, that access to knowledge is crucial in the fight against systemic inequality, discrimination, and environmental injustice.

“That is why we are making both publications available. We invite all stakeholders – the public, civil society organisations, policymakers, and the media – to engage with these publications and join the movement for good governance and environmental justice in Nigeria.

“Our vision is a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of social status, gender, ethnicity, or location, can enjoy the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

“We believe that by working together, we can build a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all Nigerians.”