The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS in Nigeria says it will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the Parliament of Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS and the East African Legislative Assembly, EALA for capacity building of their staff on legislative issues.
NILDS and the two regional legislative arms bodies made this known when the Speakers of EALA, Honourable Joseph Ntakirutimana and his ECOWAS Parliament counterpart, Honourable Sidie Mohammed Tunis paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman in Abuja.
Dr. Tunis, who emphasised the imperative of the collaboration, stated that the training would boost the capacity of the ECOWAS member states and the entire Africa.
He noted that the African Union, AU with its Head Office in Addis Ababa cannot determine what happens in Nigeria, which he said, makes it even more important for this collaborative efforts by the two regional bodies in order to serve their people better.
Honourable Ntakirutimana in his remarks expressed delight that NILDS, which he likened to the American Democratic Institute, NDI in terms of ideas and intellectual resources, was based in Nigeria, even as he stressed the need for “NILDS to be autonomous from the Western influence.”
Capacity Building
He welcomed the idea of capacity building as well as canvassed adequate funding for the institute by the Nigerian government to enable it serve Nigeria and Africa effectively without external influence.
The EALA leader also solicited support for Dr. Tulia Ackson, the female Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, who is vying for the Speakership of the Inter-parliamentary Union, IPU.
The Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, said the institute revolves around Africa in all ramifications.
He disclosed that the first support received by the Institute as a program under National Assembly was by Africa Capacity Building Foundation, ACBF, after which Nigerian Government took over the funding.
Professor Sulaiman, a former Nigeria’s Minister of National Planning, expressed the willingness and commitment of his Institute to sign the pact with the two Parliaments on capacity building of their staff on legislative issues as espoused.
Also in attendance were NILDS lead consultant, Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman NILDS Academic Advisory Board, Professor Nuhu Yaqub, Secretary General of ECOWAS, Dr. John Azumah, delegation to ECOWAS Parliament, Honourable Awaji-Inombek Abiante and a member of Tanzania House of Representatives, Honourable Dr. Mlozi Shogo.
The MOU between the ECOWAS parliament and the NILDS if signed, will provide for the training of legislators and parliamentary staff in areas such as lawmaking, public policy, and conflict resolution.
The MOU will help to ensure that legislators are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively represent their constituents and make sound laws.
Confidence Okwuchi
