Akpabio, Abbas to NILDS: Bridge capacity gaps among new lawmakers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have tasked the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to initiate programmes aimed at equipping lawmakers to bridge the capacity gaps among new members of the National Assembly and their legislative aides.

They said this has become imperative due to the high turnover of lawmakers recorded in the 10th National Assembly, which has nearly 70% new members. 

They spoke Monday at the 10th matriculation ceremony of the University of Benin, UNIBEN-NILDS postgraduate programmes. 

Many of the old and experienced legislators lost their seats to greenhorns in the last general election. Experts said high attrition of experienced lawmakers affects the stability and progress of the legislature.

Speaker Abbas, who was represented by deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said NILDS’ quick intervention with targeted programmes will enhance efficiency and productivity of members and staff of the National Assembly.

He said, “The study of legislative processes is essential for any democratic society. It provides a framework for understanding how laws are made, policies are formulated, and decisions are taken in a representative government. 

“The leadership of NILDS must prioritise the purpose of the establishment of the institute which is primarily to provide targeted research input to legislative practice and procedure and bridge capacity gaps for members and staff of the National Assembly.”