The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has revealed its plan to enter into a significant collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
The purpose of this MoU is to enhance capacity building for their respective staff members on legislative matters.
During a recent visit to the Director General of NILDS, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman in Abuja, the Speakers of EALA, Honourable Joseph Ntakirutimana, and his ECOWAS counterpart, Honourable Sidie Mohammed Tunis, expressed their support for this partnership.
Honourable Tunis emphasized the importance of such cooperation, stating that it will bolster the capacity of ECOWAS member states and the entire African continent. He underscored the significance of regional bodies like ECOWAS and EALA taking charge of their affairs rather than relying on the African Union’s centralized decision-making process in Addis Ababa.
Honourable Ntakirutimana praised NILDS, likening it to the American Democratic Institute (NDI) in terms of its ideas and intellectual resources. He expressed delight that NILDS is based in Nigeria and stressed the need for the institute to maintain autonomy from external influences. He welcomed the idea of capacity building and called for sufficient funding from the Nigerian government to enable NILDS to effectively serve Nigeria and Africa without external interference.
Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, the Director General of NILDS, reiterated the institute’s commitment to serving Africa in various capacities. He highlighted the initial support received by the institute from the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) when it operated under the National Assembly, after which the Nigerian government took over funding responsibilities.
The collaborative efforts between NILDS, ECOWAS Parliament, and EALA aim to bolster legislative knowledge and skills among staff members, leading to more effective governance and representation. The MoU will further solidify this partnership and foster mutual growth and development.
The meeting also saw the presence of esteemed figures, including NILDS lead consultant, Prof Attahiru Jega, Chairman of NILDS Academic Advisory Board, Prof Nuhu Yaqub, Secretary General of ECOWAS, Dr John Azumah, delegation to ECOWAS Parliament, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, and a member of Tanzania House of Representatives, Hon. Dr Mlozi Shogo.
