Civil-military relations must be functional and result-oriented, guided by regular dialogue and mutual respect,” Professor Sulaiman stated, urging participants to approach their roles with patriotism and diligence to secure a safer Nigeria for future generations
– Prof. Abubakar Olarewaju Sulaiman, DG NILDS
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has called for an enhanced synergy between civil institutions, particularly the National Assembly, and the Nigerian military to address the nation’s complex security challenges. He emphasized that security transcends the mere absence of violence, advocating for the presence of justice as a prerequisite for peace.
Professor Sulaiman made this assertion while delivering the opening remarks at a one-day public dialogue titled “Enhancing the Oversight Role and Capacity of National Assembly Security Committees in Strengthening Civil-Military Relations Through Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Nigeria.” The event, organized by the NILDS Legislative Centre for Security Analysis (LeCeSA) in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Nigeria Country Office, took place at the institute’s permanent site in Piwoyi, Abuja.
The DG highlighted that Nigeria’s mounting security challenges demand a concerted and collaborative approach between civil institutions and the armed forces. He described the oversight functions of the National Assembly not as a procedural exercise or a tool for witch-hunting but as a critical duty aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal resource utilization in the security and defense sectors.
“Civil-military relations must be functional and result-oriented, guided by regular dialogue and mutual respect,” Professor Sulaiman stated, urging participants to approach their roles with patriotism and diligence to secure a safer Nigeria for future generations.
Professor Istifanus Zabadi of Bingham University, who moderated the dialogue, underscored the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution in defining the balance of power and authority in civil-military relations. He advocated for a human-centered approach in the military’s exercise of authority while emphasizing the importance of depoliticizing defense matters.
“The National Assembly must respect the military as an institution while also holding it accountable. Understanding the sector intimately is crucial for informed decision-making,” Professor Zabadi remarked.
The event featured robust discussions, contributions from participants, and a question-and-answer session. It drew attendees from various sectors, including academia, the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the National Defence College (NDC).
The public dialogue is part of NILDS’ broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of legislative oversight committees and foster an atmosphere of trust and collaboration between civil and military stakeholders. Through partnerships with organizations like USIP, the institute aims to create platforms that promote sustainable conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives in Nigeria.
