A new template that will allow Nigerians call for accountability from all heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government including ministers came into force on Wednesday as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) endorsed mid-term review of the activities of ministers and head of government departments.
The move is part of government’s efforts to hold ministers accountable for their actions as they through the programme are expected to speak on their achievements during the midterm review process.
Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, along with the Minister of Science and Technology, Ita Bassey Ewa, briefed State House correspondents after yesterday’s council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to Maku, the approval followed a memorandum he submitted to council on the need for a platform to give Nigerians the opportunity to hear from the ministries, department and agencies (MDAs).
The programme, which will take off in June, is expected to provide the ministers the opportunity to engage the public and answer questions from them.
“Council approved a midterm review and there will be second leg of the ministerial platform whose focus will be concrete achievements made in all sectors”, he said.
The idea, he added, was “to engage the public, hear from them and to answer questions. A lot has been done, the MDAs will have the opportunity to present the achievements to Nigerians”.
He informed that the council has also agreed to enhance the funding of science and technology from 2014 budget to fast track the development of technology in the country.
Ewa, who spoke on the need to develop a science park in the country similar to Silicon Valley, said the ministry would host Nigerian scientists and provide them with the platform to develop indigenous technology in different areas particularly in solar panel manufacturing.
He added that while he was not against the importation of solar panels, such importation would not provide jobs for Nigerians and enhance their technological know-how hence the need for the science park.
The minister explained that the availability of locally manufactured solar panels was necessary in view of the urgent need for adequate power supply in the country.
Ewa also spoke of the projected launch of a satellite with synthetic aperture radar by 2015, as well as the launch of a locally made satellite in 2018.
The ministry, he said, is also working on high density nutrient biscuits, high density nutrient drinks and tomatoes pastes.
The minister disclosed that out of a budgeted expenditure of N1.09 billion, it received a paltry N516.215 million for recurrent while only N180.722 million was released to it out of N372.766 million budgeted for capital expenditure
TONY AILEMEN, Abuja
