The Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library, Henry Nwawuba, has credited Nigeria’s federal legislature with helping to preserve democratic governance and strengthen national institutions since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999
Nwawuba made the remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, while reflecting on the country’s democratic development.
He said Nigeria’s continued civilian administration represented an important chapter in its political history, particularly given the military interventions that interrupted earlier democratic governments.
According to him, the National Assembly has played a significant role in this period through legislation, oversight and interventions in matters affecting national development.
Nwawuba Highlights National Assembly’s Role in Democracy
The former federal lawmaker described nation-building as an ongoing responsibility requiring commitment from political leaders and public institutions.
He noted that Nigeria had experienced more than 26 years of uninterrupted civilian government since May 29, 1999, making it the country’s longest continuous period of democratic rule.
Nwawuba said the legislature remained a central institution in the democratic system because elected representatives were expected to make laws that reflected the needs and aspirations of citizens.
He acknowledged that lawmakers frequently faced criticism over their decisions and conduct but maintained that public dissatisfaction did not diminish the institution’s constitutional responsibilities.
Public Protests Show Importance of Legislature, Says Nwawuba
Nwawuba pointed to the frequent demonstrations held outside the National Assembly complex in Abuja as evidence that Nigerians continued to regard the legislature as an important place to express their concerns.
He argued that citizens often turned to lawmakers when dissatisfied with government policies or seeking action on matters affecting their communities.
For him, such public engagement demonstrated the representative role of the institution, even when the protests were directed against decisions made by elected officials.
He maintained that the National Assembly should remain accessible to citizens and responsive to issues brought before it.
Laws Must Serve Nigerians’ Interests
The National Assembly Library chief also stressed the importance of reviewing legislation that no longer meets the needs of the population.
He said laws should promote effective governance, protect public interests and respond to changing social and economic realities.
Where existing legislation fails to achieve those objectives, Nwawuba argued that lawmakers should consider amending or repealing it.
He explained that the responsibility of the legislature extended beyond passing bills to ensuring that the legal framework governing the country remained relevant and beneficial.
NDDC Establishment Cited as Example of Legislative Independence
Reflecting on past legislative interventions, Nwawuba referred to the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He recalled that the National Assembly exercised its constitutional powers to override presidential objections to the legislation establishing the commission.
Nwawuba presented the development as an example of how the legislature could act independently of the executive on matters it considered important to national development.
He said the commission’s establishment created an institutional framework for addressing development challenges in the oil-producing Niger Delta region.
However, the broader question of whether the NDDC has fully achieved its objectives remains a matter of public debate, particularly concerning project delivery, accountability and development outcomes.
Legislature and Executive May Disagree
Nwawuba acknowledged that disagreements between the executive and legislative arms of government were part of Nigeria’s democratic experience.
He said such differences did not necessarily prevent the National Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties.
According to him, successive legislatures had contributed to policy development in areas including economic management, industry and national security.
He also recognised that the institution was not without shortcomings, noting that the quality of political leadership could influence its effectiveness.
Nigerians Urged to Engage Their Representatives
Nwawuba encouraged Nigerians to take a greater interest in legislative activities and communicate their concerns to elected representatives.
He said constructive engagement could help lawmakers identify public priorities and develop policies that respond to national challenges.
The National Assembly Library chief maintained that strengthening democratic institutions required continuous effort from both political officeholders and citizens.
His remarks come as Nigeria continues to examine the performance of its democratic institutions more than two decades after the end of military rule.
