Drafting of clear legislation crucial to democratic growth — NILDS DG

Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman has emphasised the importance of quality, clear, and effective legislative drafting to the growth and development of democratic principles.

Sulaiman who spoke during the closing ceremony of the fourth DG-NILDS Internship Programme on Legislative Drafting noted that he conceived the internship program on assumption as DG to ensure that the laws governing the country are well crafted to achieve desired results for nation-building and development.

While congratulating the successful graduates for the completion of the programme, urged them to fill the gaps in legislative drafting existing in the national and state assemblies in the country.

He commended the Chairman of the NILDS Governing Council and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the alternate Chairman of the NILDS Governing Council and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen for their support towards the success of the programme.

He said, ” The “DG-NILDS Internship Programme on Legislative Drafting” was conceived with the clear objective of addressing the dearth of skilled legislative drafters in Nigeria. Indeed, in a democratic society, the ability to draft clear, precise, and effective legislation is crucial.

“It ensures that the laws governing our nation are well-crafted and anchored on clear legislative principles that can stand the test of time. Graduates of this programme are therefore contributing to filling the human resource gap in legislative drafting that exists in our national and subnational legislatures and beyond.

“As interns, you have been subjected to rigorous training that encompasses theoretical and practical aspects of legislative drafting. You were also exposed to real-world scenarios that allowed you to deepen your insight and experience in legal drafting as well as in legislative practices and procedures. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only knowledgeable but also proficient in applying the skills acquired through this intern programme.

“More so, the rigorous training you have been subjected to encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of legislative drafting that involve case studies and models of real-world scenarios. I,, therefore do not doubt that you have been carved through this programme to be square pegs in square holes, thus better prepared to tackle real-world problems that involve translating policy to legislation.

“The skills you have acquired here have also made you the candidate of choice in the job market or as skilled entrepreneurs who are fit and proper in innovation and character. For instance, our graduates are already excelling as legislative aides, as staff of NILDS, in private practice, and other sectors. As we celebrate the graduation of our fourth batch of interns, I therefore urge you all to remain good ambassadors of NILDS.”

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• Hardship: FG slashes stranded foreign scholars’ allowances

• FG recognises right to protest, warns against violence

• Terrorism: FG resumes mass trial of suspects

• The final-year student killed over N500 in Bayelsa

• Ndume and the fire this time

• We are planning to upgrade Osubi Airport —Keyamo