The European Union announced on Saturday its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s democratic processes by empowering the next generation of political leaders.
Through the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, the EU is funding Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Office Internship Programme a three-month initiative that launched in December 2024 and is slated to conclude in February this year.
This innovative programme provides young, aspiring leaders with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in legislative operations and constituency engagement.
Interns will work directly within lawmakers’ offices, acquiring practical knowledge of the legislative process while contributing to policy discussions and understanding the intricate relationship between lawmakers and the communities they serve.
Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, underscored the importance of nurturing responsible leadership and active citizenship as the backbone of a thriving democracy.
“Young people play a very significant role in developing Nigeria’s democracy by actively participating in electoral and governance processes and by contributing to guidelines, policies, and frameworks that ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections,” he stated.
Vergos further explained that by integrating these interns into constituency offices, the programme not only demystifies the legislative process but also encourages a culture of ethical decision-making and proactive engagement.
“The time for making excuses is over. The moment people start making excuses not to act ethically, democratic institutions are undermined.
Rather than criticizing democracy, we must focus on ethical decisions that shape its practice,” Vergos added, emphasizing the urgency of providing young Nigerians with platforms that foster active participation in governance.
By investing in the capacity building of young citizens, the EU is complementing the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to fortify democratic institutions and promote inclusive political participation.
The Constituency Office Internship Programme is designed to nurture fresh perspectives, equipping interns with the skills necessary to address current governance challenges and contribute meaningfully to policy formulation.
As the programme unfolds, both the EU and Nigerian stakeholders remain optimistic that empowering youth with direct exposure to legislative practices will pave the way for a more dynamic, transparent, and accountable democratic future in Nigeria.