The 10th cohort of the EU-funded PLAC (Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre) legislative interns culminated their intensive 10-week programme by re-enacting a plenary session of Nigeria’s National Assembly. The event, held as part of the closing activities, provided a platform for the interns to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout the course.
During the mock plenary session, the interns simulated legislative processes, presenting bills for readings and engaging in debates, which highlighted their understanding of parliamentary procedures.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of PLAC, expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for its continued support in offering a platform for the interns to actively participate in Nigeria’s democratic processes and governance. “We continue to communicate our gratitude to the National Assembly for the collaboration that helps us place these interns in various committees,” Mr. Nwankwo stated.
He further emphasised the importance of sustaining democratic processes in Nigeria, noting that the National Assembly is the most crucial policy-making organ of government. “It is very important that the National Assembly exists because it is the most important policy-making organ of government,” he said. Mr. Nwankwo also highlighted the significance of initiatives like the EU-funded legislative internship programme, which gives young people valuable exposure to governance. “We want to see qualified and knowledgeable young people enter the National Assembly, and see what can be done better, because that is the only way we can sustain our democracy,” he added.
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was represented at the session by Mrs. Laolu Olawunmi, the EU Programme Manager for Democracy, Rule of Law, and Gender. In her goodwill message, Mrs. Olawunmi emphasised the importance of inclusion in decision-making. “You will one day be in positions where you need to listen to voices, not just a homogeneous voice. You need to listen to varied voices to make informed decisions,” she said.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal, represented by Godwin Ekpenyong, the Secretary of Inter-Parliamentary Relations & Protocol, also acknowledged the impact of the EU-funded PLAC legislative internship programme. “Youth participation in governance is crucial for the continued growth and sustainability of our democracy. It is through programmes like this that we can ensure the future of our legislative process is in capable hands—hands that embrace innovation, inclusivity, and accountability,” he said.
Legislators who attended the event offered valuable feedback and encouragement to the interns, recognising the importance of the internship in preparing youth for active roles in governance. The Model Legislative Assembly not only celebrated the achievements of the interns but also reinforced the vital role of young people in shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.
The PLAC legislative internship is part of the EU’s broader initiative to promote active youth participation in governance through its flagship programme, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).
