By ANAYO Akwitti
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to take charge of induction programmes for newly elected federal lawmakers, as the institute continues to expand its role in legislative training and democratic governance.
Akpabio made the recommendation on Thursday, while presiding over a meeting of the NILDS Governing Board at the institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
President of the Senate, who chairs the board, commended the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, and his management team for effective delivery of the institute’s mandate.
He specifically praised the management “for making it possible for us to have refresher courses.”
Akpabio said the institute was increasingly fulfilling the purpose for which it was established, particularly through its academic and professional training programmes for lawmakers and parliamentary staff.
“The essence of creating this Institute is being realised,” he said, referring to postgraduate and doctoral programmes being run by NILDS in collaboration with universities across the country.
President of the Senate, also welcomed the institute’s training programmes for National Assembly staff and proposed that NILDS should host future induction programmes for incoming lawmakers after the 2027 general elections.
“When we came in 2023, the induction course that we had was at the NAF Centre. I’m sure for new Senators-elect and Members-elect, this place is befitting enough for us to use for the induction course for the incoming parliament.
“I will urge members of the council to consider resolution in that regard. That once election is over in 2027, the induction should be held here. That will also draw attention to this place. It will further boost the image of the institute,” Akpabio stated
He further commended the management of NILDS for maintaining the institute’s headquarters and infrastructure.
“When l came in, l was quite impressed about the maintenance of this edifice. Maintenance of edifice like this is not easy. For you and your management team, Professor Suleiman, l think you have done the job well,” he said.
Earlier, the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Suleiman, briefed the board on the institute’s recent progress and expanding operations.
He said the institute’s mandate remained focused on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian legislators at federal and sub-national levels, as well as across the sub-region.
Suleiman disclosed that NILDS now operates 12 departments, including a radio station, and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the University of Benin, University of Abuja and Federal University Lokoja.
The meeting was also attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who serves as Alternate Chairman of the board.
