ASABA: The Delta State House of Assembly has inaugurated a Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Department aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of laws enacted in the state.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday in Asaba, marking what the Speaker of the Assembly, Dennis Guwor, described as a historic milestone in the legislative development of the state.
Guwor, who was represented at the event by the Leader of the House, Mr Dennis Nwaobi, said the establishment of the department demonstrates the Assembly’s resolve to strengthen democratic governance, improve oversight functions and ensure that legislation delivers tangible results for residents.
The Speaker, who also serves as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, noted that post-legislative scrutiny is a key component of modern legislative practice worldwide.
According to him, the initiative aligns with global best practices and represents a bold step toward ensuring that laws are not merely passed but are effective in addressing the real challenges confronting the people.
“Lawmaking does not end with the passage of a bill, he said. We must continually assess whether our laws are achieving their intended objectives and delivering measurable benefits to our constituents.
Guwor urged staff of the newly created department to approach their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism, emphasising that the quality of legislative services in the state must be continually enhanced.
The Clerk of the House, Mr Otto Aghoghophia, described the launch of the PLS Department as both a significant opportunity and a serious responsibility. He assured stakeholders that the unit would function efficiently and objectively in line with international standards.
“We are committed to providing the necessary administrative support to ensure that the department achieves its mandate,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, congratulated the Assembly on the initiative and called for sustained commitment to translating capacity into meaningful action.
He stressed that post-legislative scrutiny is a powerful governance tool that ensures laws generate social and economic value. Olorunmola further advised lawmakers to dedicate specific budgetary allocations to support scrutiny activities.
Providing insight into the mandate of the new department, the Director in charge, Mr Emmanuel Nwabudike, explained that the unit would systematically assess the impact of enacted laws on residents across the state.
In his remarks, a representative of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Dr Chris Ngara, commended the Assembly’s leadership for taking steps to strengthen institutional accountability and legislative effectiveness.
The creation of the department is widely seen as a strategic move to enhance transparency, accountability and evidence-based lawmaking in Delta State.
