The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has collaborated with the Global Affairs Canada and Nigerian High Commission for a commences a one-week workshop for its members on on e- legislative proceedings and good governance.
At the commencement of the retreat, the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman said that the one week learning programme was put together for members of the Conference and State Lawmakers in Nigeria in order to acquire international knowledge on proceedings.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abdul Burra, the speaker stated that the choice of Canada for the retreat is strategic was as a result of its history being commonwealth nations and democratic experiences with Nigeria.
The Chairman described Canada as one of the most developed countries in the world worthy of learning especially for the fact that it ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, education, gender equality and environmental sustainability.
“Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy in the Westminster tradition, Nigeria adopts presidential system fashioned after that of the United States. Both Canada and Nigeria adopted federal system of government largely due to our multicultural characteristics and diverse ethnic backgrounds. And both nations’ Constitution provide for subnational legislatures and therefore the roles played by the provincial legislatures in Canada at the subnational level towards the growth and development of the Country cannot be overemphasized.
“In view of this, our mission in Canada is for robust engagement with our hosts with a view to learning practices and ideas that will ultimately reposition our country on the right of trajectory to greatness through subnational legislative activities.”
In his welcome message to the speakers, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau expressed his Country’s readiness and commitment to further deepen bilateral relationship between Canada and Nigeria and urged the visiting lawmakers to make good use of the opportunity for better service delivery.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome the Honorable members from National Assembly and the State legislature in Nigeria to Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto and Niagara cities in Canada. Canada and Nigeria have a long, strong history together and Iam looking forward to working with you to grow the ties between our two nation.”
