The Nigerian Former Legislators Forum convened its maiden summit in Enugu, issuing a communiqué outlining key resolutions aimed at enhancing governance, national development, and unity through legislative experience and collaboration.
May 3, 2025
[Protocol]
Before we proceed, the Forum wishes to place on record its deep appreciation for the leadership of the National Assembly, as well as the former presiding officers and principal officers whose stewardship, vision, and legislative statesmanship have laid the foundation for the progress we continue to build upon. Their collective wisdom, sacrifice and tenacity remain a beacon for our Forum and the nation at large. We appreciate them for always lending a helping hand in our affairs.
At the end of deliberations, the Forum issued the following Communiqué:
1. Establishment of a Non-Partisan National Forum
● The Summit affirmed the non-partisan character of the Nigerian Former Legislators Forum (NFLF), established as a national platform for leveraging the experience, expertise, and wisdom of former legislators to support and strengthen governance in Nigeria.
● Members agreed that it is in every former legislator’s enlightened interest to commit to the growth and institutionalisation of this national forum, in the spirit of national development.
2. Commitment to a Knowledge Bank and Resource Centre
● The Forum resolved to midwife a veritable resource centre and knowledge bank that will serve as a repository of legislative knowledge and a policy advisory hub to improve governance.
● It was agreed that the Forum will, henceforth, function as a permanent centre for strategic legislative support and development ideas, especially as it relates to sustainable national transformation.
3. Nationwide Framework for Member Engagement
● The Forum committed to developing a proper framework and timeline for nationwide engagement and participation of its members, ensuring inclusivity and broad-based consultation.
● As part of this national engagement, the Summit agreed to facilitate the convergence of other geopolitical zones for expanded participation and contributions to national discourse.
4. Role in Sustainable Development and Governance
● The Forum acknowledged that the collective experience of former legislators must be harnessed as a national asset in pursuit of sustainable development.
● It was agreed that the NFLF will actively contribute to public discourse, policy direction, and institutional strengthening through advisory roles and issue-based engagement.
5. Post-Legislative Scrutiny and Impact Assessment
● The Forum resolved to undertake a post-legislative scrutiny of key laws and policies, especially constitutional amendments from 1999 to date, with a focus on devolution of powers to subnational governments.
● Particular areas for scrutiny will include legislations and reforms related to electricity markets, railways, aviation, correctional services, and other concurrent matters, to assess their real-world impact and relevance to Nigeria’s federal structure.
6. Appreciation and Acknowledgements
● The Forum expressed deep appreciation to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for his foresight, sacrifice, and patriotic commitment in convening this historic summit, despite not being an immediate beneficiary of its outcomes.
● Members also commended the Host Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his warm hospitality and for providing a conducive environment and world-class facilities for the successful hosting of the summit.
7. National Unity and Support to the Tinubu Administration
● Recognising the present inherited economic challenges, the Forum encouraged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast in the pursuit of economic recovery and the Nigerian commonwealth.
● As a former legislator himself, the Forum pledged to make itself readily available to offer its knowledge and experience in support of national development goals and governance reforms.
8. Call to Action and Way Forward
● The Summit resolved to convene more regularly and facilitate continuous engagement across all zones, building a vibrant community of former legislators dedicated to the nation’s progress.
● The Forum looks forward to working collaboratively with current legislative institutions, civil society, and development partners to enhance Nigeria’s democratic resilience and institutional capacity.
Below is a PDF copy of the communique
Adopted this day, Saturday, in Enugu, Enugu State, the third day of May, 2025.
Signed:
Nigerian Former Legislators Forum (NFLF)