By Nefishetu Yakubu
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Parliamentary Institute of Benin Republic (IPaB) have begun a capacity-building workshop to enhance regional collaboration.
Declaring the training open, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, stated that the five-day workshop was organised by NILDS, in collaboration with IPaB under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Suleiman said that the collaboration underscored the two countries’ shared commitment to exchanging experiences, enhancing inter-parliamentary engagement and promoting democratic and legislative advancement across the West African sub-region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the workshop had as its theme: “Legislative Process and Procedure, Policy Analysis, Innovative Management Skills and Strategic Administrative Techniques for Sustainable Development.”
Suleiman noted that the collaboration further affirmed their dedication to effective governance and pursuit of sustainable development as vital pillars for Africa’s democratic transformation and inclusive growth.
“In today’s evolving world, debates persist around the relationship between governance and public policy. The key question remains: How are societal goods distributed equitably?
“The answer lies in effective policy instruments, competent policymakers and efficient implementers, ensuring that governance truly reflects the collective well-being of citizens across the region, ” he said.
The director-general said that the training aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of legislative processes, deepen their policy analysis capacity and enhance strategic leadership and management skills.
He said that participants would engage with modules covering innovative management, oversight techniques, leadership dynamics and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in parliamentary processes.
“At NILDS, we believe capacity building is continuous, a process of renewal, reflection and adaptation that sustains effective governance and responsive legislative performance.
“This workshop aligns with NILDS’ core mandate to strengthen democratic governance, legislative institutions and policy processes through research, training and technical assistance across the African continent, ” he added.
The director-general emphasised that NILDS’ collaboration with IPaB highlighted a shared vision to build vibrant, accountable and people-centered legislatures capable of addressing 21st-century policy challenges effectively.
He urged the IPaB team to fully embrace the interactive sessions designed to broaden their professional perspectives and leadership skills during the training programme.
Suleiman extended his appreciation to the leadership of the Parliament of Benin Republic and the management of IPaB for their dedication to the ‘noble cause’.
On his part, the IPaB Director, Dr Fatahau Djima, said that the collaboration between both institutes would enhance exchange of ideas for good governance in both countries.
Djima, who said that the collaboration was crucial, described it as an innovation that would help develop the parliaments of both countries and strengthen bilateral understanding.
He assured of continued dedication to learning from both organisations, particularly from the National Assembly of Benin Republic, to improve parliamentary practices.
Djima also extended an invitation to participants to attend a similar event in Benin Republic.
He particularly appreciated the NILDS director-general and the institute’s staff members for organising what he called a successful and impactful event. (NAN)
Edited by Wale Sadeeq
