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The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has initiated moves to establish a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) aimed at strengthening legislative reporting, enhancing democratic accountability, and promoting evidence-based journalism across Nigeria.
The proposal was tabled during a courtesy visit by an NGIJ delegation led by its President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General (DG) of NILDS, Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Ibrahim Danwanka. Also present were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Muhammad Abdulkadir, who doubles as a member of the NGIJ Board of Trustees, and the NILDS’ Director of Information, Emmanuel Atakpo. 
Speaking during the engagement, Aliagan described the visit as a deliberate effort to build synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended Suleiman’s leadership, noting that NILDS has evolved into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. Both institutions share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and advancing good governance,” he said.
Aliagan explained that while NILDS drives democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements such efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
He highlighted the Guild’s nationwide interventions, including Governance Assessment Visits to states such as Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna, noting that these initiatives have contributed to improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, deepen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he added. 
The NGIJ President further proposed collaboration in key areas including training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He also informed the Institute of plans to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June to commemorate Democracy Day, requesting Suleiman to serve as keynote speaker and seeking approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Danwanka described the proposed partnership as timely and critical to national development. He commended NGIJ’s commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing institutional relevance.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS. Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” he said. 
Danwanka explained that NILDS, established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and expanded in 2017, has significantly broadened its mandate to include democratic institutions and civil society organisations. He noted that under Suleiman’s leadership, the Institute has expanded from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and enhanced national and continental visibility.
According to him, NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support to legislatures not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS plays a critical role,” he stated.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented—including collaboration proposals, facility use, and the keynote invitation—would be forwarded for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of Abdulkadir’s appointment as Special Adviser on Media, describing it as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting concluded with both institutions expressing optimism about formalising a sustainable partnership framework, anchored on a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
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