By Anayo Akwitti
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has commended the strong spirit of interfaith cooperation among Muslim and Christian staff of the institute.
Sulaiman gave the commendation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony of the NILDS Jumat Mosque at the institute’s permanent site.
According to a statement signed by the Media Adviser to the DG Mohammad Abdulkadri the ceremony marked a significant milestone for NILDS, coming three years after the institute relocated to its permanent location.
The DG expressed delight at the large turnout of Christian staff, whose numbers were almost equal to those of their Muslim colleagues.
He also praised their active participation in the ceremony as co-organisers and in other roles, describing the development as a positive example of religious harmony.
Sulaiman, who pledged to donate half of his monthly salary for one year towards the mosque project, said the harmonious interfaith relationship at NILDS had renewed his hope for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to look beyond religious affiliations and identities and work together patriotically towards building a stronger and more united nation.
The NILDS boss also urged staff to take ownership of the mosque project by contributing financially and mobilising support to ensure that the building is completed within the projected three-to-five-month timeline.
He further expressed optimism that a Christian worship centre would also be established at the institute in the near future.
The former Minister of National Planning appreciated the presence of the Imam and Deputy Imam of the National Assembly Jumat Mosque, Mallam Rayan Sani and Dr. Bala Muhammad, who joined him in performing the symbolic block-laying ceremony.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would accept the mosque project as an act of worship and reward all those contributing to its successful completion.
