Delta Lawmakers Undergo Training On Transparency, Accountability In Management Of Derivatives

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the United States of America Agency Development (USAID) and Strengthening Capacity and Civic Engagement (SACE) have trained members of the Delta State House of Assembly on Transparency and Accountability In The Management of the 13% derivatives

The one day Retreat held at the Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotel, Asaba discussed Issues of Transparency and Accountability In The Management of the 13% Derivatives.

In his keynote address, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, described the programme well attended by Lawmakers in the State as very important and timely.

The Speaker said that; “We are very happy about this Programme. It will deepens understanding of honourable members of the Delta State House of Assembly on the extractive industries as it relates to the Niger Delta Region. Our members are happy to be part of this Retreat; this Programme is very important to our members.”

“This Retreat will impact on members of the Delta State House of Assembly positively”, the Speaker added.

He expressed gratitude to the organisers for putting the Programme together and members of the House for participating actively.

In his goodwill message, Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon Tim Owhefere also lauded the organisers of the Programme, saying that;”This Retreat is a welcome development. We have a lot to learn from this Retreat. We must be up and doing in the discharge of our duties”.

In her presentation entitled; “Transparency and Accountability In Extractive Revenue Management In Delta State: The EITI Model”, Mrs Obiageli Onuourah, Assistant Director, Communications, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) recommended that the Delta State Government should re-evaluate it’s revenue profile with a strategic plan to exploit it’s full internal economic potentials.

She also recommended that the State Government should re-evaluate it’s recurrent expenditure profile, especially the overhead costs and channel resources to sectors that would improve the living conditions of the people.

Mr Kolawole Banwo of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) made a presentation on “Civil Society — Legislature Collaboration for Effective Revenue Management”.

Members of the House of Assembly made useful contributions at the Retreat.