The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) says it is working on plans to establish a legislative centre for security analysis towards offering solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General, NILDS disclosed this at a three-day capacity building workshop on Monday in Abuja for fellows and research staff of the institution.
The workshop was organised by NILDS in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Suleiman, who did not state when centre would be established, said that it was aimed at supporting ongoing attempts to reform the security architecture of the country.
He said that the centre would also provide research and insights to the legislature on security-related issues as well as serve as an early-warning mechanism for identifying potential hot spots in Nigeria.
“Other projects planned for 2022 includes the Democracy Radio which will be more relevant as the 2023 general elections draw closer,” he said.
On achievements, the director-general said that the institute, in the year under review had been prolific in producing information and related briefs on various topical issues to the leadership of the National Assembly.
“One of the most significant works of the institute in 2021 is the comprehensive and by far the most relevant compendium on the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been critically acclaimed by both the Executive and the Legislature for its attempt at documenting the pandemic and impact on all aspects of our national life including the economy and political systems,” he said.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said that the workshop was aimed at updating the knowledge of the participants on their duties.
Lawan, represented by Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Philip Aduda, said that the results and recommendations from the workshop would help improve the skills of the participants.
Also, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that an effective legislature was a critical factor in achieving democracy that delivered developmental results for people.
Gbajabiamila, represented by Rep. Henry Nwawuba, the Chairman House Committee on Monitoring and Execution of Legislative Agenda said that what was expected of modern legislature was beyond the traditional role of representation, law-making and oversight.
