The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) of Nigeria and the Parliamentary Institute of Benin (IPaB) have launched a comprehensive three-year implementation programme aimed at reinforcing legislative institutions and promoting democratic governance across West Africa. At a joint workshop in Cotonou yesterday, senior officials from both organisations finalised and adopted the work plan, which builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2024. Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, emphasised that the collaboration would translate shared objectives into “practical, measurable, and responsive” actions through staff exchanges, policy research, parliamentary diplomacy, and technical assistance.
Dr Sedami Fagla, Director of IPaB, described the workshop as the culmination of efforts since January 2025, noting that institutional capacity building, research initiatives, legislative drafting training, and digital governance tools are key components. Both institutes also unveiled an accountability framework that includes monitoring performance indicators, publishing progress reports, and organising high-level dialogues. The programme aims to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of parliaments across ECOWAS, laying the groundwork for improved lawmaking, oversight functions, governance transparency, and regional integration.
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