By Diana Omueza
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the European Union (EU) have urged the 2026 Legislative Internship Programme participants to actively contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development and governance processes.
Mr Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of PLAC, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the orientation workshop for the 2026 Legislative Internship Programme organised by PLAC, supported by the EU.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 40 young Nigerians were selected from over 3,000 applicants across the country and would be attached to committees of the National Assembly for ten weeks.
The programme is designed to expose young Nigerians to legislative processes, deepen their understanding of democratic institutions and promote active citizenship and participation in governance.
Nwankwo said that the internship was not intended to produce politicians immediately but to help the participants understand democratic governance and identify ways to contribute to national development.
He said that although progress had been recorded in the country, citizens must remain committed to demanding improvements and supporting reforms that would accelerate development.
“The purpose is not for you to become senators or politicians, but to understand how democracy works and how you can contribute to the development of the country.
“This country can be so much better. When we worry about how slowly things are improving, it means we still have something to contribute to its development.
“The future of the country is in your hands, and you must feel challenged enough by current realities to want to make a difference,” he said.
Nwankwo stressed the importance of legislative institutions, noting that effective lawmaking remained critical to democratic growth and national progress.
He said PLAC had consistently worked with the National Assembly on constitutional reforms, electoral matters and other legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening governance.
He urged the participants to use the internship to understand policymaking processes and how advocacy could be translated into tangible legislative outcomes.
According to him, advocacy efforts achieve lasting impact only when they influence policies capable of improving the lives of citizens.
The PLAC executive director expressed concern over the low representation of women in the National Assembly, describing the situation as a challenge to inclusive governance.
He reiterated their support for initiatives seeking additional legislative seats for women, saying that broader representation would strengthen democratic institutions and decision-making.
Mrs Olawumi Laolu, the Programme Manager, Democracy, Governance, Gender and Human Rights of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, said the union remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions and empowering young Nigerians.
She said that the internship initiative reflected the EU’s commitment to promoting meaningful youth participation in governance and policymaking processes.
“The fact that you were selected after a rigorous and merit-based process means you have done exceptionally well and should be proud of this achievement.
“For us at the European Union, democracy truly thrives when young people are not just spectators but active participants in the democratic process.
“As you go into the National Assembly, learn relentlessly, contribute boldly, ask questions, engage actively and remember that you are there to make an impact,” she said.
Laolu described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset adding that the EU remained committed to investing in programmes that enhanced leadership and civic participation.
She cited initiatives such as the Youth Sounding Board and Jubilee Fellowship Programme as examples of the EU’s targeted support for young people.
She encouraged the interns to maximise the opportunity by observing legislative processes closely and learning from lawmakers, parliamentary staff and fellow participants.
The programme manager also urged them not to underestimate their abilities, saying that their perspectives and contributions could enrich policy discussions and governance outcomes.
She advised participants to build lasting professional networks and relationships that would support their future careers and public service aspirations.
Laolu commended PLAC for successfully implementing the programme over the years and contributing to the development of young democratic leaders in Nigeria.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Kamoru Ogunlana, represented by Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Mrs Vivian Njemanze, congratulated the 40 interns.
Ogunlana said the programme offered participants a rare opportunity to observe governance processes and parliamentary democracy while contributing to national development.
“Your presence today is a testimony to your academic excellence, leadership qualities, creativity, innovation, communication skills and ability to inspire others.
“As interns, you are expected to demonstrate discipline, professionalism, respect for constituted authority and a willingness to learn throughout your stay in the National Assembly.
“You may come across sensitive legislative documents and official information, such privilege demands a high sense of responsibility, integrity, confidentiality and ethical conduct,” Njemanze said.
She described the National Assembly as a critical institution in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, responsible for lawmaking, representation and oversight functions on behalf of citizens.
She said that the committee activities remained central to legislative work, including budget scrutiny, policy deliberations, oversight functions and public hearings.
Ogunlana urged the participants to take advantage of the internship by learning from legislators, committee clerks and parliamentary officials with extensive governance experience.
In her remarks, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urged the legislative interns to promote inclusive governance and democratic accountability.
Kingibe said Nigeria’s democratic development would remain incomplete without greater inclusion of women, youths and persons with disabilities in governance processes.
She noted that women constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population but occupy less than four per cent of seats in the 10th National Assembly.
“Out of 109 senators, I am one of only four women. Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest countries globally in female parliamentary representation.
“Bills on healthcare, education, youth employment, child welfare and sexual violence carry greater weight when those directly affected are represented at the decision-making table.
“You are not here to copy files or print documents; you are here to learn how the government works and how barriers to inclusion can be dismantled,” Kingibe said.
The senator urged the interns to critically examine legislative proposals and budgetary provisions to ensure they addressed the needs of young people and vulnerable groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chidi Opara
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