Abuja: National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rhizome Consulting Ltd. to enhance democratic governance, legislative development, and civic education in Nigeria and across Africa. Speaking at the ceremony on Friday in Abuja, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said that the partnership represented a strategic step in expanding the reach and sustainability of the institute’s works.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the partnership aims to create a structured framework through which Rhizome Consulting would support NILDS in engaging strategically with development partners and mobilising both financial and technical assistance. The director-general emphasized that the collaboration is designed to achieve more than technical expertise by fostering strategic partnerships, innovative thinking, and effective resource mobilisation.
Sulaiman highlighted that the objective of the partnership is to mobilise donor funding and technical assistance that align with NILDS’ strategic priorities. The goal is to position NILDS as a credible institution with global partnerships, complementing public funding through innovative and sustainable partnership models. Under this agreement, NILDS will share strategic and programmatic information with Rhizome Consulting and collaborate in proposal development and high-level engagements.
The firm will identify funding opportunities, prepare donor-ready proposals, and lead donor engagement and visibility efforts. Sulaiman expressed NILDS’ readiness to explore new funding opportunities and build stronger alliances to deliver more value to the legislature, the people of Nigeria, and the democratic process across Africa.
In his remarks, a Senior Consultant at Rhizome Consulting Ltd., Mr. Jibril Lawal, stated that the MoU is not just a formal agreement but a statement of shared vision, rooted in strengthening governance, legislative capacity, and democratic institutions in Nigeria. He emphasized the firm’s belief in the power of knowledge and partnership, expressing pride in aligning with NILDS, an institution known for its intellectual leadership and commitment to democratic excellence.
Lawal reiterated the firm’s commitment to working with NILDS with sincerity and shared responsibility. He remarked that this MoU is the first of many milestones and hoped it would be remembered not just for what is signed but for what will be built together.