The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rhizome Consulting Ltd. to enhance democratic governance, legislative development and civic education in Nigeria and across Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday in Abuja, the director-general of NILDS, Abubakar Sulaiman, said the partnership represented a bold and strategic step to expand the reach and sustainability of the institute’s works.

He said that since its establishment, NILDS had remained steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of supporting the development and strengthening of democratic institutions in Nigeria and across the African continent.

“However, we are keenly aware that in today’s development environment, delivering meaningful change requires more than technical expertise.

“It demands strategic partnerships, innovative thinking and effective resource mobilisation. This is precisely what this collaboration with Rhizome Consulting is designed to achieve,” he said.

The director-general stated that the MoU aimed to create a structured framework through which Rhizome Consulting would support NILDS in engaging strategically with development partners and mobilising both financial and technical assistance.

“In doing so, we aim to further strengthen the impact of our programmes in legislative development, democratic governance and civic education.

“This partnership is not just about raising funds; it is about raising the standard of governance in our country and those we call allies,” he said.

Mr Sulaiman explained that the objective of the partnership was to mobilise donor funding and technical assistance that aligned with NILDS’ strategic priorities.

According to him, this is also to position NILDS as a credible and forward-looking institution with global partnerships and complement public funding through innovative and sustainable partnership models.

Under this agreement, the DG said NILDS would share strategic and programmatic information with Rhizome Consulting and collaborate on proposal development and high-level engagements.

He said that in return, the firm would identify funding opportunities, prepare donor-ready proposals and lead donor engagement and visibility efforts.

“As we operationalise this MoU today, I want to make it clear that NILDS is ready to explore new funding opportunities and build stronger, smarter and more strategic alliances.

“And above all, we are ready to deliver even more value to the legislature, to the people of Nigeria and to the democratic process across Africa,” he stated.

In his remarks, Jibril Lawal, a senior consultant at Rhizome Consulting Ltd, stated that the MoU was not just a formal agreement but a statement of a shared vision rooted in strengthening governance, legislative capacity, and democratic institutions in Nigeria.

He said the firm believed in the power of knowledge and partnership and was very proud to align with NILDS, an institution known for its intellectual leadership and commitment to democratic excellence.

“We look forward to working on this path together with sincerity and shared responsibility.

“For us, this MoU is the first of many milestones, and may it be remembered not just for what is signed but for what we are going to build together,” he said.

(NAN)