NILDS DG: We trained 3,000 legislative aides during 9th assembly

The National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) says 3,000 legislative aides were trained during the 9th assembly.

Abubakar Sulaiman, NILDS DG, spoke in Abuja on Monday at a training organised by the institute for legislative aides.

Legislative aides support lawmakers to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.

Sulaiman said the institute is determined to train and equip the aides with the “required technical skills for enhancing efficiency” in the national assembly.

“In this 10th assembly, the institute is determined to surpass the record in the 9th assembly where we trained over 3,000 legislative aides,” he said.

“I, therefore, urge you to pay attention and take notes, as the workshop has been designed to ensure that you gain fresh insights on how best to support the work of your legislator and, by extension, the legislature.”

Also speaking, Sani Tanbuwal, clerk of the national assembly, said the assistance of legislative aides is crucial to the success of lawmakers.

He said legislative aides need to be versed in legislative practices and procedures to give legislators the required support.

The clerk said the training will equip the legislative assistants with the knowledge to execute their jobs effectively.

“As you are aware, the legislature is the mainstay of any democracy. Universally, its role is to make laws, exercise representation, and conduct oversight of the executive arm through its elected representatives,” Tanbuwal said.

“Accomplishing these broad and tripartite functions is indeed, a huge and overwhelming task. Legislators cannot achieve it alone, unless with the support of others.

“It is against this background, that we hired you to bridge this gap by offering proactive support services, thereby simplifying the legislators’ job.

“On that note, I urge you all to put in your best and leverage the skills and knowledge acquired from this three-day programme to enhance the discharge of your duties to the legislators and the National Assembly at large.”