Abuja: Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has announced that the institute is functioning as the primary engine room for bridging the gap between academic research and legislative policy-making in Nigeria. Sulaiman shared these insights during his appearance on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the institute operates on both demand-driven and supply-driven frameworks to assist parliamentarians in drafting bills, motions, and enhancing comprehensive policy interventions. Sulaiman emphasized the institute’s reliance on research to support legislative processes, with demand-driven interventions requested directly by lawmakers and supply-driven ones identified independently by NILDS.
Sulaiman highlighted NILDS’s role in addressing critical national issues such as security, police reform, local government autonomy, and conflicting judicial pronouncements through workshops, dialogues, and expert interfaces. He further mentioned that NILDS fellows are actively engaged with the Senate and the House of Representatives on emerging challenges like electoral reforms and constitutional amendments.
He underscored NILDS’s function as a capacity-building institution and a think-tank for Nigerian democratic institutions, extending its influence to the West African sub-region. The institute’s mandate includes nurturing the skills of democratic actors, parliamentarians, and parliamentary staff, serving as a research hub for both state and national legislatures.
Reflecting on his tenure, Sulaiman described the past seven years at NILDS as both rewarding and challenging, with significant achievements since he assumed office in June 2019. Under his leadership, NILDS has expanded its educational offerings, collaborating with institutions such as Federal University of Lokoja and University of Abuja to award Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
Sulaiman also noted the expansion of NILDS from four to 13 specialized departments, addressing career stagnation among staff. He highlighted improvements in staff welfare, with increased exposure to international training and the introduction of hazard allowances and sabbatical opportunities.
Furthermore, Sulaiman shared that NILDS has trained over 300 young lawyers on legislative drafting pro bono and has established professorial chairs for its staff members. His leadership has also seen salary increases, contract confirmations, and the establishment of a clinic, maternity leave, and a creche for staff members.