The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, has welcomed 39 young Nigerians into the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme. This initiative offers recent graduates a unique chance to gain practical experience in legislative practices and processes at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
The 10-week programme provides hands-on exposure to legislative work, facilitating networking and engagement opportunities with members and staff of the 10th National Assembly. Besides fostering career development, the programme also aims to enhance networking and promote skills crucial for legislative engagement.
During the opening ceremony in Abuja, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the importance of the internship and its role in empowering Nigerian youth to actively participate in democratic governance. He said, “The EU is committed to supporting democratic governance and empowering young Nigerians through this internship programme. Investing in youth capacity and legislative knowledge is vital to building a more inclusive, transparent, and effective democracy. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.”
Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), welcomed the interns and highlighted PLAC’s commitment, with EU support, to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic governance. He explained, “The Legislative Internship Programme is not just an opportunity to learn the workings of the National Assembly but a platform for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in democracy. By gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes, these interns are enhancing their skills and helping to build a foundation for stronger, more accountable governance in Nigeria. We are proud to partner with the EU to provide this transformative experience.”
Nwankwo outlined the benefits of the internship, which include learning research methods for legislative committee assignments, participating in oversight activities, understanding the legislative framework, and familiarizing interns with key legislative documents like Bills, the Order Paper, and Hansard. By the programme’s conclusion, interns will have gained a deeper understanding of how a bill becomes law and the intricacies of the legislative process.
The EU-funded Legislative Internship Programme is a significant initiative aimed at promoting the involvement of young professionals in governance. It seeks to nurture a generation of leaders equipped with the skills and dedication needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Since 2018, the EU has fully funded this full-time programme, which selects participants from across Nigeria. Previously supported by the UK government, the EU now funds the initiative to enhance democratic empowerment and youth participation in governance. Despite being fully EU-funded, PLAC has maintained the programme’s visibility while balancing EU support with PLAC’s programme ownership.