The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. AbbasTajudeen, Ph.D, has stressed the need for the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to continue to strengthen the National Assembly and other legislative institutions in Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas, while speaking at the inauguration of the Governing Council of NILDS in Abuja on Monday, described the institute as “a pillar of knowledge, a capacity-building powerhouse, and a think tank dedicated to advancing our legislative processes.”
NILDS is the research and academic arm of the National Assembly, which offers certificate, diploma, degree, and post-graduate degrees in various programmes in affiliation with some universities.
The Speaker noted that NILDS’ mandate was to provide technical and analytical support as well as comprehensive, reliable legislative research to legislators, their aides, committees, and the bureaucracy of the legislature in Nigeria and beyond.
He said: “Over the years, the Institute has significantly contributed to strengthening legislative institutions through its rigorous research, legislative support services, training programs, and policy analysis.
“These efforts have enhanced the capacities of legislators and staff and bolstered the legislative framework within which we operate, thereby promoting a more robust and effective governance system.
“As we move forward, NILDS must remain steadfast in its commitment to the founding principles and vision set forth by its founders and the successive leadership of the National Assembly. The Institute must continue tailoring its activities to the evolving needs of the legislature, ensuring that its interventions are strategic and aligned with the priorities.”
Speaker Abbas said, though ad hoc measures are sometimes necessary, they should not overshadow the need for sustained, strategic planning and execution. “NILDS must, therefore, focus on long-term goals and institutional priorities that will foster continuous improvement and adaptation to contemporary legislative needs,” he added.
The Speaker also noted that the Senate and House legislative agendas outlined clear priorities and entry points for NILDS, which he said included enhancing legislative oversight, improving legislative-executive relations, and fostering inclusive governance through robust stakeholder engagement.
He added that the Institute’s role in providing cutting-edge research and training would be crucial in achieving these objectives.
Speaker Abbas stressed: “I also want to emphasise the importance of the Institute in embedding itself within the super-structure of the National Assembly to support key initiatives of the legislature and its committees. By being deeply integrated into the workings of the National Assembly, NILDS can provide timely and relevant support, ensuring that our legislative efforts are informed by the highest standards of research and analysis.
“This close collaboration will also enable the Institute to anticipate the needs of the legislature and proactively contribute to the development and implementation of legislative initiatives.”
The Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the House to supporting the Institute in actualising its mandate, stating that the lawmakers “recognise the invaluable contributions of the Institute and are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and legislative backing to ensure its continued success.”
Together, Speaker Abbas added, “we can shape the future of NILDS as an institution that not only meets but exceeds the contemporary needs of the Nigerian legislature.”
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio (CON), in his remarks, thanked the nominated members for accepting to serve on the council of NILDS.
Akpabio noted that it was the first time that the board of NILDS would be sitting at the permanent site of the institute, which he said was worth celebrating. He, therefore, commended the DG for providing leadership.
Director-General of NILDS, Prof Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, earlier in his welcome remarks, noted that the management of NILDS had made significant milestones within one year.
He expressed hope that NILDS would continue to enjoy the kind of support it had enjoyed in the last one year under the 10th Assembly.
Apart from the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House, who are the Chairman and Alternate Chairman of the Council, the members were drawn from the Senate and the House and from across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The members are Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (South-West), Senator Victor Umeh (South-East), Senator Agom Jarigbe (South-South), Senator Sunday Karimi (North-Central), Senator Aminu Iya Abba (North-East), and Senator Hussaini Babangida Uba (North-West).
Also on the council are Honourables Mansur Soro (North-East), Aminu Jaji (North-West), Sarki Dahiru (North-Central), Nnolim Nnaji (South-East), Mark Esset (South-South), and Akeem Adeyemi (South-West).
Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Engr. Ahmed Kadi Amshi, FNSE; and the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alh. Sani Magaji Tambawal, FCNA, are members, while the DG of NILDS would serve as Secretary to the Governing Council.