The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme held its first bi-weekly skills-building session for the 2025 cohort of Legislative Interns at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Organised by the EU-SDGN-funded Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the initiative aims to deepen interns’ understanding of policymaking and parliamentary practice.
A total of 38 young Nigerians were selected for the programme, where experts guide them through legislative processes to complement their hands-on experience in the Assembly.
PLAC Programme Manager, Nkiru Uzodi, explained that the sessions are designed to strengthen interns’ grasp of committee roles, policymaking, and bill passage. “We invite seasoned professionals to speak on different topics, helping interns expand their networks and bond as a cohort,” she said.
While noting that the aim is also to complement their knowledge and expose them further beyond what their learning at the National Assembly, she said it is also to create an atmosphere and an opportunity for the interns to continue their networking and strengthen their bond as a cohort.
According to her, the interns are also put through the process of safeguarding policies and themselves, and not to put themselves in harm’s way, while also knowing the right channel to follow when there are issues to address.
During a presentation titled “Inside Nigeria’s Bill-Making Process and the Politics of Policy Making”, Senator Ita Enang emphasised that evidence, not emotion, drives successful legislation.
He said emotions do not work in pushing for the passage of bills, but in some cases, lobbying colleagues to convince them on why the bill must go or be rejected is allowed.
He also clarified misconceptions about constituency projects, noting that “no legislature is given money for constituency projects,” lawmakers identify needs, but ministries execute the projects.
Interns expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Queenette Anthony Oni from Rivers State described the experience as “eye-opening” and empowering, she said, “It has given me access beyond what my mind could even comprehend. I am here to stay and to contribute my quota to the development of our legislative sector.”
Another intern, Philemon Aje from Kaduna, said: “It’s been such an amazing time here. I have gained so much knowledge. It’s been very insightful and educative, having to have a first-hand experience in the legislative process in the National Assembly.”
“I feel more developed, and the capacity to serve my nation is even more equipped in advocacy and legislative processes. I want to say a very big thank.
The EU-SDGN internship continues to provide young Nigerians with practical exposure, mentorship, and a platform to contribute meaningfully to democratic governance.
