Abuja: The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the European Union (EU) have urged the 2026 Legislative Internship Programme participants to actively contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development and governance processes. Mr Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of PLAC, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the orientation workshop for the 2026 Legislative Internship Programme organised by PLAC, supported by the EU.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 40 young Nigerians were selected from over 3,000 applicants across the country and would be attached to committees of the National Assembly for ten weeks. The programme is designed to expose young Nigerians to legislative processes, deepen their understanding of democratic institutions, and promote active citizenship and participation in governance.
Nwankwo emphasized that the internship was not intended to produce politicians immediately but to help the participants understand democratic governance and identify ways to contribute to national development. He noted the importance of legislative institutions, stressing that effective lawmaking is critical to democratic growth and national progress. PLAC, he said, has consistently worked with the National Assembly on constitutional reforms, electoral matters, and other legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening governance.
Mrs Olawumi Laolu, the Programme Manager for Democracy, Governance, Gender, and Human Rights of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and empowering young Nigerians. She highlighted the significance of the internship initiative as a reflection of the EU’s goal to promote meaningful youth participation in governance and policymaking processes.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Kamoru Ogunlana, represented by Deputy Clerk of the Senate, Mrs Vivian Njemanze, congratulated the 40 interns, acknowledging their academic excellence and leadership qualities. Ogunlana emphasized the opportunity for interns to observe governance processes and parliamentary democracy, urging them to demonstrate discipline, professionalism, and a willingness to learn throughout their stay in the National Assembly.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), encouraged the legislative interns to promote inclusive governance and democratic accountability. She pointed out that Nigeria’s democratic development would remain incomplete without greater inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in governance processes. Kingibe highlighted the need for legislative proposals and budgetary provisions to address the needs of young people and vulnerable groups.