NILDS, CIPAN Explore Partnership to Strengthen Public Sector Capacity

National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (CIPAN) have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership to strengthen public sector capacity, promote professional ethics and improve administrative efficiency in Nigeria.

The development followed a courtesy visit by a CIPAN delegation, led by the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Dr. Emmanuel Akin Olufonose, to the management of NILDS at its headquarters in Abuja.

Presenting the proposal, the CIPAN representative described NILDS as a foremost institution in legislative studies, democratic governance, policy research and capacity building. He expressed the Institute’s interest in collaborating with NILDS on joint professional training, executive and leadership development, research and publications, seminars, conferences and policy dialogues.

He noted that the proposed partnership would focus on strengthening the capacity of public administrators, legislators, legislative staff and other stakeholders to respond effectively to the changing demands of governance and public service delivery. He also identified institutional reforms, accountability, digital governance, strategic management and sustainable development as potential areas of collaboration.

Responding, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, welcomed the initiative and commended CIPAN for securing statutory backing and establishing itself as a professional institution under the relevant legislative framework.

Prof. Sulaiman emphasised the critical role of public administrators in translating government policies and programmes into tangible outcomes, noting that the effectiveness or failure of governance often depends significantly on the competence, diligence and professionalism of the bureaucracy.

He expressed concern over the erosion of core public service values, including neutrality, anonymity, confidentiality and professional discipline. He also stressed the need to restore the culture of continuous training and professional development within government institutions.

The Director-General highlighted NILDS’ commitment to rigorous capacity building for parliamentary staff, public servants and civil servants across the country, noting that the Institute has continued to expand its training programmes and exceed its annual capacity-building targets.

To advance the proposed partnership, both institutions agreed to establish a joint technical committee to identify specific areas of collaboration, develop a Memorandum of Understanding for legal review and approval, and prepare practical implementation plans to ensure that the partnership moves beyond documentation to measurable outcomes.

Prof. Sulaiman reaffirmed NILDS’ readiness to work with CIPAN to strengthen public institutions, improve professional capacity and contribute to effective governance and national development.