National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace, USIP, convened a one-day public dialogue focused on “Enhancing the Oversight Role and Capacity of National Assembly Security Committees in Strengthening Civil-Military Relations through Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Nigeria.”

The dialogue aimed to strengthen the capacity of National Assembly Security Committees and security institutions to engage constructively and collaboratively. By fostering networking, intelligence-sharing, and adherence to security protocols, the initiative seeks to improve working relationships and advance national security.

In his remarks, the Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, urged stakeholders, particularly participants in the dialogue, to perceive legislative oversight not as a constraint but as a collaborative effort toward achieving justice, protecting human rights, managing and resolving conflicts, and enhancing peace and security for a better Nigeria.

Professor Sulaiman emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s numerous security challenges, which necessitate a coordinated approach between civil institutions, particularly the legislature, and the armed forces. He stressed that tackling security threats, promoting national unity, and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy require collaboration, cooperation, and mutual trust between stakeholders in both the civilian and security sectors.