The Problem
Most South-West Nigerians have no reliable way to find out what their state assembly is currently debating, which bills have passed, how their representative voted, or how the legislature's budget is being spent. This information exists, but it is buried in physical records, scattered across unofficial sources, or simply never published.
The Proposal
Each South-West state assembly should maintain a publicly accessible online portal that publishes, in plain language:
- Bills currently before the house, with summaries written for a general audience
- Committee schedules and reports
- Voting records by representative
- Annual legislative budget and expenditure reports
- A searchable archive of enacted laws
Why It Matters
Democratic accountability depends on information. A representative who knows their constituents are watching votes differently from one operating in an information vacuum. A portal of this kind does not require new legislation — it requires political will and a modest administrative commitment. Several state assemblies in other African countries have implemented versions of this. South-West Nigeria, with its strong civil society and high internet penetration, is positioned to lead.
Who Should Drive It
State assemblies, in partnership with civic technology organisations and university law clinics, could build and maintain these portals at low cost. The fellows and staff of programmes like this one are exactly the kind of people who could make it happen.
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