The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, has urged Industrial Training (IT) students and newly recruited staff of the Department of Democracy and Governance to take advantage of their time at the Institute to develop their professional skills and deepen their understanding of democratic governance.
Prof. Sulaiman gave the charge during an interactive orientation and awareness session with the interns and newly recruited staff at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director General emphasised that NILDS’ mandate extends beyond building the capacity of legislators, stressing the importance of strengthening democratic values, institutions and citizens’ understanding of democracy.
He noted that over the years, the Institute has expanded its structures and programmes to respond to emerging needs in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Prof. Sulaiman highlighted initiatives such as Democracy Radio 104.9 FM, the Centre for Security Analysis, the Centre for Advanced Executive Education Programme and the Gender and Inclusivity Unit, noting that the initiatives have broadened NILDS’ contribution to civic enlightenment, security analysis, executive education and inclusive governance.
He also underscored the importance of continuous capacity development for members of staff, noting that researchers and administrative personnel are regularly exposed to training opportunities within and outside Nigeria to enhance their knowledge and professional competence.
The Director General further noted that NILDS has strengthened its partnerships with universities and institutions in Nigeria and abroad through several Memoranda of Understanding, contributing to the Institute’s growing profile as a centre for legislative and democratic development in Africa.
Speaking on Nigeria’s democratic development and regional leadership, Prof. Sulaiman stressed the need for the country to continue playing a leading role in promoting democratic stability within the ECOWAS and African Union regions.
He encouraged the interns and newly recruited staff to approach their responsibilities with diligence, professionalism and a willingness to learn, stressing that the continued growth of NILDS depends on collective effort, cooperation and commitment among its workforce.
