The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme, has inducted 39 young Nigerians into the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme.
The initiative offers a rare opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience with legislative practices and processes at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Spanning 10 weeks, the programme is designed to provide interns with practical exposure to legislative work, fostering engagement and networking opportunities with members and staff of the 10th National Assembly. Beyond career development, it also aims to create networking opportunities and promote skills essential for legislative engagement.
The Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, during the opening ceremony in Abuja highlighted the significance of the internship and its role in empowering young Nigerians to be active participants in democratic governance.
“The EU is committed to supporting democratic governance and the empowerment of young Nigerians through this internship programme. We believe that investing in youth capacity and legislative knowledge is fundamental to building a more inclusive, transparent, and effective democracy. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future,” he said.
The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, who welcomed the new interns, explained that the programme reflects PLAC’s dedication, with the support of the European Union to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance.
“The Legislative Internship Programme is more than just an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the National Assembly; it is a platform for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in our democracy,” Nwankwo said.
“By gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes, these interns are not only enhancing their skills but also helping to lay the foundation for stronger, more accountable governance in Nigeria. We are proud to partner with the European Union to provide this transformative experience.”
