The National Assembly of The Gambia spent D334,895,791 in 2022, according to an audit report. The Assembly's total payments and expenditure for the year amounted to D334,895,791, reflecting a full overview of its financial activities. UNICEF contributed D803,942 to the National Assembly during the period, providing additional support to its operations. The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly subsequently adopted the audit report, following a thorough review of the findings.
Financial Overview and Receipts
The National Assembly received a total allocation of D331,012,835 from the Government of The Gambia in 2022. This government funding formed the primary source of income for the legislative body. In addition to government funding, the United Nations Development Programme provided D6,684,750 to the National Assembly during the same period, further bolstering its financial resources. These combined receipts from the government and donor support brought the total receipts for the year to D338,501,527. The total government allocations specifically amounted to D331,012,835, showing the significant financial commitment from the state. An analysis of the monthly disbursements revealed that the highest monthly government allocation in 2022 was D56,592,982, which was received in July, indicating peak periods of financial activity or allocation. Following the close of the financial year, the Assembly carried forward D3,605,736 into the 2023 financial year, according to the audit report, demonstrating prudent financial management of unspent funds.
Detailed Expenditure Breakdown
Salaries and allowances constituted the largest portion of the National Assembly's spending in 2022, accounting for D160,999,278 of the total expenditure, according to the audit report. This significant sum notes the human resource intensity of the institution. Within this category, D29,284,737 was disbursed as basic salaries for the members of the National Assembly, compensating the 58 parliamentarians for their legislative duties. Staff salaries amounted to D21,380,219, covering the remuneration for the 161 staff members who support the Assembly's operations. Other allowances paid out totalled D52,246,316, providing additional financial support to members and staff beyond their basic salaries. The report detailed specific allowances, including D15,723,000 for constituency allowance, enabling members to engage with their constituents. A sum of D12,236,000 was allocated for travel home-to-office allowance, facilitating the commute of members. Additionally, D6,835,000 was allocated for house rent allowance, assisting members with their accommodation needs.
The audit report noted that the National Assembly comprised 58 members of parliament and 161 staff members in 2022, detailing the human capital involved in its functions. Beyond salaries and allowances, travel expenses for the institution reached D25,728,826, reflecting the costs associated with official travel, both domestic and international. Capital expenditure and spending on fixed assets accounted for D31,449,364, indicating investments in the Assembly's infrastructure and equipment. A significant portion of this capital expenditure, D16,000,000, was utilized for the purchase of motor vehicles, enhancing the mobility of the institution. D14,955,714 was spent on acquiring office equipment during the audited period, ensuring the Assembly had the necessary tools for its administrative tasks.
Operational and Development Spending
The National Assembly operated 24 committees during the year, with D20,107,406 spent on their activities. These committees play a key role in legislative review and oversight, and the expenditure reflects the resources dedicated to their functioning. D14,929,956 was disbursed as a constituency development fund, aimed at supporting development initiatives at the local level. Under this fund, each member of parliament received D300,000, empowering them to address specific needs within their constituencies. The Assembly also spent D28,942,000 under the revolving loan scheme for the purchase of 58 vehicles for members of the sixth legislature, providing essential transportation for the parliamentarians.
Operational expenses included D6,000,000 for electricity, water, and sewage, covering the utility costs of the Assembly's facilities. Fuel and lubricants cost D5,800,000, essential for the operation of vehicles and generators. Maintenance expenses amounted to D4,856,666, ensuring the upkeep and repair of the Assembly's buildings and assets. Conferences, training, and development activities accounted for D4,617,120, investing in the capacity building and professional growth of members and staff. Stationery expenses stood at D3,063,825, covering the costs of office supplies. Additionally, the Assembly's contributions to international organisations totalled D3,321,857, reflecting its engagement with global parliamentary bodies. Telecommunication expenses were D2,087,964, covering communication costs. Miscellaneous office expenses amounted to D1,940,762, for various unclassified administrative costs.
Audit Process and Committee Oversight
An audit report conducted by the National Audit Office reviewed the National Assembly’s Statement of Cash, Receipts and Payments for the period of January to December 2022. This marked the first instance of the National Assembly itself appearing before the Finance and Public Accounts Committee for such a review, a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability. Within the audited period, consultancy fees totaled D2,030,245, covering expert advice and services procured by the Assembly. Printing expenses reached D1,395,716, for the production of official documents and reports. Official entertainment and hotel accommodation costs were D974,754, covering hospitality and lodging for official functions. The audit also revealed D148,932 was spent on advertisement and publication, for public awareness and outreach. Additionally, D300,000 was allocated for uniform and protective clothing, ensuring appropriate attire for certain staff. Funds totaling D803,942 were utilized for mid and end-line review activities, according to the report, indicating expenditures related to performance evaluation and project assessments.