By Anayo Akwitti
The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, has received recognition for his contributions to strengthening legislative development and democratic governance in Nigeria.
Sulaiman was among prominent lawmakers and stakeholders honoured at the National Legislative Awards 2026, organised by HallowMace Africa on Thursday at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre, Jahi, Abuja.
The organisers said the award recognised individuals who have made outstanding contributions to legislative growth, institutional development and democratic practice.
Director of HallowMace Africa, Anderson Osiebe, said Professor Sulaiman was selected in recognition of his leadership at NILDS, particularly his focus on capacity building for lawmakers, digital governance skills and strengthening legislative oversight.
“The DG’s award is in recognition of his outstanding performance at NILDS and notable innovations that have grown our legislative and democratic culture,” Osiebe told Democracy Radio after the ceremony.
The selection process involved public online voting and consultations with key parliamentary stakeholders, including the National Assembly Press Corps, the Nigerian Conference of Speakers, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASLAF).
Professor Sulaiman’s recognition comes as NILDS continues to expand its role in supporting lawmakers through research, training and policy development aimed at improving legislative effectiveness.
The award ceremony, chaired by former President of the Senate in the Third Republic, Senator Ameh Ebute, was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other key figures in Nigeria’s legislative community.
Other award recipients included outstanding lawmakers from across the six geopolitical zones, state assembly speakers, parliamentary staff, legislative aides and media professionals covering the National Assembly.
Osiebe said the maiden edition of the National Legislative Awards was created to celebrate excellence, integrity and outstanding service within Nigeria’s legislature, adding that the platform would continue to recognise individuals contributing to democratic development.
