The Delta assembly, on Thursday, inaugurated its Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Department to assess the performance of enacted laws on the citizenry.

Dennis Guwor, the Speaker of the Assembly, described the occasion as historic during the inauguration in Asaba. 

Mr Guwor said the initiative reflects the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance, enhancing oversight, and ensuring effective legislation across the state. 

He was represented at the event by the Leader of the House, Dennis Nwaobi.

Mr Guwor, who is the chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, described post-legislative scrutiny as a critical component of modern legislative practice.

He urged staff of the new department to demonstrate dedication and professionalism in enhancing the quality of legislative services in the state.

The speaker noted that the initiative aligns with global best practices in lawmaking.

Mr Guwor said the establishment of the PLS Department marks a bold step toward strengthening legislative oversight, among others.

“This initiative will ensure that our laws are not only passed but are working effectively to address the real challenges facing our people,” he said.

Mr Guwor emphasised that lawmaking alone is insufficient, insisting that legislators must continually ask whether enacted laws are working, delivering measurable benefits, and addressing the daily realities faced by their constituents.

The clerk of the House, Otto Aghoghophia, described the inauguration of the department as both an opportunity and a responsibility. 

Mr Aghoghophia assured stakeholders that the department would operate efficiently and objectively in line with global standards.

“We are committed to providing the administrative support necessary to ensure the department achieves its full impact,” he said.

The country director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Adebowale Olorunmola, congratulated the Assembly and urged stakeholders to translate capacity into action.

Mr Olorunmola emphasised the importance of synergy and national leadership in advancing democratic reforms.

He said that post-legislative scrutiny is a powerful tool for strengthening governance and ensuring that laws deliver real value.

He advised members of the Assembly to allocate dedicated budgetary resources for scrutiny activities.

Mr Olorunmola noted that laws are living instruments requiring continuous evaluation to ensure that promised social and economic dividends are realised.

The director of the department, Emmanuel Nwabudike, while presenting the overview of the department, explained that it would be responsible for evaluating the impact of the enacted laws on the residents of the state.

The representative of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Chris Ngara, commended the Assembly’s leadership for the initiative toward enhancing legislative practice and institutional accountability.

(NAN)