I want NILDS to become intellectual hub of democracy – DG

Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman, expressed his vision of transforming the institute into the world's intellectual hub for democracy during a commemorative event marking his seven-year tenure at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja. During a fireside chat held on Thursday, Mr. Sulaiman, a professor and former Minister of National Planning, highlighted NILDS' role not just within Nigeria but across Africa and democratic institutions globally. He emphasized that under his leadership, the institute focused on institutional development, staff welfare, research excellence, and legislative capacity-building, positioning itself as a leading authority on democratic governance in the region. Mr. Sulaiman stressed the importance of recognizing all workers, including support staff such as drivers and administrative personnel, whose contributions were vital to the institute’s success. He noted that prior to his tenure, non-academic staff rarely pursued higher education, but today many have earned doctoral degrees due to the removal of institutional barriers. He encouraged young Nigerians to engage actively in democratic processes, stating that meaningful reforms require constructive citizen involvement in political and electoral activities. “If you refuse to participate in the political process, you cannot continually condemn those making decisions. Democracy demands resilience, participation and responsible civic engagement,” he said. Reflecting on his early career, Mr. Sulaiman shared how his experience in student union leadership shaped his leadership journey. He encouraged youth to remain hopeful and committed, noting that active participation had been instrumental in his personal and professional achievements. As he prepares for retirement, Mr. Sulaiman advised his successor to build upon past successes and strengthen the institution for future generations. His long-term goal is to make NILDS a global center for legislative research, democratic governance, policy development, and capacity building, extending its influence beyond Nigeria and the African continent. He pointed out that legislatures from countries such as Ghana, Gambia, Somalia, and South Africa have increasingly recognized NILDS as a preferred partner for legislative capacity development programs. This international acknowledgment underscores the institute’s growing reputation and relevance in the field of democratic governance. The event included a keynote speech by human rights activist and former senator Shehu Sani, who praised Mr. Sulaiman’s leadership and the progress made by NILDS in advancing legislative development, democratic governance, and policy research in Nigeria. Mr. Sani, who ran as an APC candidate in Kaduna Central, commended the institute’s efforts in fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. A highlight of the day was the inauguration of a new clinic aimed at improving employee welfare, reflecting Mr. Sulaiman’s ongoing commitment to staff well-being and institutional sustainability. The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from staff members, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support over the past seven years.