The Commissioner in Charge of Training at the Kogi State House of Assembly Service Commission, Barrister Alfred Bello, says a bill is underway to establish a Legislative Training Institute in the state.
Barrister Bello made this known during a one-day seminar organized for legislative staff at the Assembly complex in Lokoja.
He emphasized the need for professionalism among legislative staff, describing the Assembly as a temple of justice that requires exemplary conduct.
“This is a temple of justice. So the character of staff, their behavior, even their outlook, the way they dress, the way they appear in the public is very, very important. That is what would distinguish them from other arms of government.”
He added that the Commission is already sponsoring a bill for the establishment of the institute, noting that it is expected to pass its first reading soon.
“The Commission is sponsoring a bill now for the establishment of Legislative Training Institutes. I think very soon, in a couple of days, the bill will pass through the first reading.”
According to him, the proposed institute will focus on building the capacity of legislators and legislative staff across all levels of government.
“The duty is very clear and simple. It is to train legislators. Not only staff, even the state assembly legislators need training that will make our laws well published and recognized worldwide.”
The Commissioner expressed concern over the lack of legislative knowledge at the local government level, noting that many councillors are unaware of their roles and responsibilities.
“If you go to some local governments, they don’t even know how to move motions or handle bylaws. In some cases, chairmen take advantage of this gap, treating councillors as aides.”
Barrister Bello further explained that the institute, when established, would also train local government legislators and attract participants from beyond Kogi State.
“The training institute will not only be for Kogi State alone. People can come from other states and even outside the country to participate.”
He assured that the institute would engage qualified professionals as trainers, with the long-term goal of positioning Kogi State as a hub for legislative training in Nigeria and across Africa.
“We will ensure that the trainers are well-qualified professionals, such that even neighboring countries can come here for training. By doing that, the state will become a centre of excellence.”
The Commissioner expressed optimism that the initiative would be successfully implemented, describing it as a step toward strengthening legislative practice and governance in the state.
