In a one-day methodology workshop on catalyzing elite consensus in Nigeria, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, emphasized the necessity of unity among the elite to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria. The workshop, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), gathered notable figures, including Prof. Adele Jinadu, to brainstorm and develop a blueprint for addressing the nation’s issues.
Prof. Jega highlighted the objective of fostering unity among the academia, research institutes, civil society organizations, and the private sector to move the country forward. The participants aim to create a methodology for researching and addressing national issues, commission papers, and convene a national summit where consensus on problem-solving approaches can be reached, irrespective of the political leadership.
NILDS Director General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, noted Nigeria’s historical resilience in overcoming challenges and emphasized the need for a courageous and bold step to address current issues. The workshop, involving academia, civil society organizations, media, and the private sector, seeks to establish a methodology for tackling Nigeria’s challenges, particularly the economic inequality that has divided society.
Prof. Sulaiman highlighted the widening gap between a highly privileged few and a growing, impoverished majority, leading to societal divisions. Recognizing the historical struggles for progress and change, he stressed the importance of agreement on strategies to achieve positive outcomes with minimal negative consequences. NILDS, mandated to support democratic institutions and deepen democratic values, takes a proactive role in leading these efforts.
