Abuja: The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has commended the 10th National Assembly for its exemplary performance in handling bills, motions, and parliamentary conduct. Sulaiman shared his positive assessment during a news conference held in Abuja to mark the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his own sixth anniversary as the head of NILDS.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman responded to questions from journalists, acknowledging the progress of Nigeria’s democracy and parliament while noting areas for improvement, particularly in security and economic growth. He emphasized that, compared to previous periods such as the 1960s and 1999, the current state of the National Assembly shows significant progress. Despite ongoing challenges, the ethical conduct and accommodation for parliamentary views have improved, and the quality and harmony within the chambers are unparalleled by previous assemblies.
Reflecting on NILDS’s achievements over the past six years, Sulaiman highlighted his focus on staff welfare, addressing stagnation, and revising educational policies to promote academic advancement. He noted the reconstitution of the institute’s academic board to ensure inclusivity and elevate standards. Under his leadership, the institute moved to a permanent site in 2023, introduced a cr¨che for staff, and established initiatives to promote gender inclusivity and governance.
Sulaiman also discussed NILDS’s adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where e-platforms were introduced to maintain operations and prepare for post-pandemic reopening. Additionally, initiatives such as Democracy Radio and the Legislative Centre for Security Analysis have been launched to extend democratic awareness and support security efforts through research.
The expansion of the NILDS annual quiz competition and the introduction of the Distinguished Parliamentary Lecture Series are part of the institute’s efforts to enhance public understanding of legislative processes. Sulaiman expressed his vision for NILDS to evolve into a university dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s democracy through knowledge and research.