NILDS D-G urges continuous learning to strengthen W/Africa’s parliaments
By EricJames Ochigbo
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has called for continuous learning, innovation and excellence to strengthen the effectiveness of legislative institutions in West Africa.
Sulaiman made the call on Thursday at the opening ceremony of a two-week capacity building workshop, organised for ECOWAS Parliament personnel on “Parliamentary Oversight Functions, Votes and Proceedings” in Abuja.
Sulaiman said that continuous skill nurturing was fundamental for the parliament to meet its mandate in a fast developing and complex society in the 21st century.
“In today’s fast-evolving governance landscape, parliaments are expected to make informed, timely and impactful decisions in an increasingly complex, interconnected and data-driven world.
“Meeting this challenge requires not only political will, but also the expertise of a capable, innovative and highly skilled corps of parliamentary staffers, proficient in parliamentary procedure and diplomatic engagement,” he said.
He noted that the workshop would provide participants with advanced knowledge, practical tools and tested strategies to enhance their mandates, while also inspiring a culture of adaptability and continuous professional growth.
The D-G commended the ECOWAS Parliament for its sustained investment in staff development.
The NILDS boss emphasised the importance of knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in ensuring strong legislative support systems in the 21st century.
In his remarks, the Director, Parliamentary Affairs and Research, Dr Muhammed Garba, said that ECOWAS has had a long standing relationship with NILDS since 2004.
He said that ECOWAS parliamentarians had benefited from local and foreign trainings under the auspices of NILDS to enhance capacity in handling the task of representing the sub-region.
“What we need now is for NILDS to get additional funding; we know richer countries are pulling out funds, we know that challenge exists.
“But we are pleading, NILDS should be able to get additional funding so that members of the ECOWAS Parliament who have diverse backgrounds as well as the staffers should be able to benefit.
“As the ECOWAS Parliament is evolving, that the evolution benefits from adequate capacity so that members and staffers will be able to discharge their mandate in accordance to the Act establishing the ECOWAS Parliament,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
Published By
Has also recently published
PoliticsAugust 15, 2025NILDS D-G canvasses gender parity for speedy development
General NewsAugust 15, 2025Association seeks alignment of government policies with masses’ needs
SportsAugust 15, 2025Mbah retires Chukwu’s Iconic Jersey No. 5, pledges to support Ex-Rangers players
General NewsAugust 15, 2025IYD 2025: FRSC urges youth to lead road safety drive
