Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the European Union (EU), has officially launched its 2026 Legislative Internship Programme (LIP) with a two-day orientation workshop held on 1 and 2 June 2026 in Abuja. The Programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical knowledge of legislative processes, democratic governance, and public leadership through a 10-week internship experience at the National Assembly.

The workshop brought together distinguished lawmakers, legislative experts, and governance professionals to share valuable insights into the workings of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The first day featured substantive sessions from prominent voices in Nigerian governance. Senator Ireti Kingibe spoke on inclusive representation and responsive governance, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu addressed the intersections of politics, governance, and leadership, and Dr. Rahila Ahmadu offered participants an insider’s perspective on how motions, debates, and resolutions shape legislative action.

The second day deepened participants’ understanding of the legislative work environment through sessions delivered by National Assembly staff. Dr. Innocent Mebiri, Director of Committees of the Nigerian Senate, spoke on the role of National Assembly Committees, while Mr. Idowu Bakare, Deputy Director and Clerk of the House Committee on Water Resources, walked participants through the legislative process from first reading to passage. Dr. Ikechukwu Alaribe, an Assistant Director with the National Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms also addressed safety, security, and access protocols within the complex.

The workshop further included an experience-sharing session in which former LIP interns offered practical guidance on navigating the National Assembly work environment, covering professional conduct, ethics, and confidentiality in legislative spaces, as well as strategies for making the most of the internship experience.

The two-day orientation sets the tone for a transformative learning journey for the 2026 cohort, equipping them with the knowledge, exposure, and practical insights needed to maximize the internship programme.