For three consecutive inauguration sessions, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has provided support to the National Assembly in its induction programmes to train Members-elect of the Senate and House of Representatives. The support is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom. For nearly 15 years, PLAC has worked in the National Assembly, supporting the development of the legislative arm of government, pursuing the expansion of civic space and impacting on improvements in the quality of the Legislature. The induction is one of several activities carried out by PLAC in its legislative work. Some other activities implemented by PLAC include support to National Assembly Committees, bill drafting, legislative staff training and training for law makers.
PLAC played a critical role supporting the first ever alteration to the Nigerian Constitution in 2010. In 2022, the National Assembly passed the landmark Electoral Act intended to achieve credible elections for the country. This was done with PLAC providing the draft and drafting skills for the Act and convincing the National Assembly to pass a brand new Electoral Act rather than amending the old one. The first ever new legislation on Police in the country resulted from PLAC’s redraft of the 1943 Police Act in 2020.
PLAC’s work in the National Assembly was aptly captured by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal in his opening speech at the induction programme, where he stated that the history of the National Assembly cannot be complete without mentioning PLAC’s work and support.
As the 10th Assembly gets set to be inaugurated on June 13, PLAC is set to deepen its work and expand its effectiveness in Nigeria’s legislative development.