Akpabio Applauds NILDS for Strengthening Legislative Capacity, Expanding Academic Programmes

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday commended the management of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies for meeting expectations and effectively carrying out the mandate for which the institute was established.

Akpabio specifically praised the Director-General of the institute, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, and his management team for facilitating refresher courses and other capacity-building programmes.
The Senate President, who serves as Chairman of the institute’s Governing Board, made the remarks while presiding over a board meeting at the NILDS headquarters along Airport Road in Abuja.
Also present at the meeting was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who serves as the alternate chairman of the board.
Addressing board members, Akpabio stated that the purpose for establishing the institute was being fulfilled, citing the academic programmes offered by NILDS for postgraduate and doctoral students in partnership with several universities across the country.
He expressed satisfaction that NILDS had begun training staff of the National Assembly and proposed that the institute be entrusted with organising induction programmes for incoming Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
According to him, the induction programme held in 2023 took place at the NAF Centre, but NILDS now possesses facilities suitable for such activities.
“When we came in 2023, the induction course that we had was at the NAF Centre. I’m sure for new Senators-elect and Members-elect, this place is befitting enough for us to use for the induction course for the incoming parliament.
“I will urge members of the council to consider a resolution in that regard. That once election is over in 2027, the induction should be held here. That will also draw attention to this place. It will further boost the image of the institute,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also commended the institute’s management for maintaining its headquarters building.
“When I came in, I was quite impressed about the maintenance of this edifice. Maintenance of an edifice like this is not easy. For you and your management team, Professor Suleiman, I think you have done the job well,” he said.
Earlier, Professor Suleiman briefed the board on the institute’s achievements and ongoing activities.
He explained that NILDS was established to enhance the capacity of legislators at both the federal and sub-national levels, as well as within the wider sub-region.
Suleiman disclosed that the institute now operates 12 departments, including a radio station, and maintains partnerships with institutions such as University of Benin, University of Abuja, and Federal University Lokoja.