NILDS Aims to Be Global Center for Democracy, DG

The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman, wants the institute to become the leading place for democracy in the world.

Mr Sulaiman, who is a professor, marked seven years in charge of NILDS on Thursday at the institute’s headquarters in Abuja.

During a discussion at the event, the former Minister of National Planning said he views NILDS as an institution that will help not just the Nigerian Parliament, but also legislatures across Africa and democratic bodies worldwide.

He said his time in charge focused on developing the institution, improving staff welfare, encouraging research excellence, and building legislative skills. This has set NILDS up as a key player in democratic governance in Africa.

“I have impacted researchers, strengthened academic programmes and improved staff members’ welfare because every worker contributes meaningfully to the institute’s growth and institutional excellence,” he said.

Mr Sulaiman pointed out that support staff, such as drivers and other non-academic workers, should also get recognition. He stressed that institutions thrive through teamwork, not just individual efforts.

“Before I came on board, non-academic staff members rarely pursued higher education. Today, many have earned doctoral degrees because we deliberately removed unnecessary institutional barriers,” he added.

He called on young Nigerians to get involved in democratic governance. He believes real changes can only happen when citizens actively join in political and electoral matters.

“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 stated.

The Director-General remembered his days as a student leader. He encouraged young people to stay hopeful and dedicated. He said that being active in politics has shaped his journey and career.

“I never imagined reaching this position, but participation opened opportunities. If I succeeded through engagement, young Nigerians can equally achieve their aspirations,” Mr Sulaiman emphasised.

Advice for Successor

Mr Sulaiman advised the next Director-General to learn from past experiences, build on existing successes, and make a stronger institution for future generations.

He sees NILDS as a global hub for legislative research, democratic governance, policy development, and capacity building beyond Nigeria and Africa.

“I see NILDS serving political actors across the world. I want NILDS to become the intellectual hub of democracy, not only for Africa but globally,” he noted.

Mr Sulaiman explained that countries like Ghana, Gambia, Somalia, and South Africa now see NILDS as a top choice for legislative capacity development programmes.

He thanked staff members, partners, and stakeholders for their support during his seven years in charge. He reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through research, innovation, and teamwork.

The celebration included a keynote speech by human rights activist and ex-senator Shehu Sani. He highlighted the need to strengthen democratic institutions, promote good legislative research, and maintain capacity building for effective governance.

Mr Sani, the APC candidate for Kaduna Central, praised Mr Sulaiman’s visionary leadership and the significant progress NILDS has made in improving legislative development, democratic governance, and policy research in Nigeria.

A key moment of the event was the opening of a clinic, which showed a commitment to staff welfare and better healthcare services.

Dignitaries, including members of the National Assembly, attended the celebration. They shared goodwill messages and praised Mr Sulaiman’s leadership and his contributions to improving legislative capacity in Nigeria and across Africa.