By Ogalla Daniel.
The Kogi State Assembly Service Commission, has intensified efforts to enhance professionalism and efficiency within the legislative arm, with plans underway to establish a Legislative Training Institute and ongoing capacity-building initiatives for staff.
Hon. Alfred Bello, Commissioner for Training at the Commission, underscored the importance of discipline, professionalism, and proper conduct among legislative personnel, describing the Assembly as a “temple of justice” that must reflect dignity in both character and appearance.
He stressed that staff behavior and dressing are key factors in distinguishing the legislature from other arms of government and in maintaining public trust.
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Bello revealed that a bill for the establishment of a Legislative Training Institute in Kogi State is currently being processed and is expected to have its first reading soon.
He explained that the proposed institute would provide structured training for lawmakers and assembly staff, ultimately improving the quality of legislation and enhancing its global relevance.
According to him, the initiative would also address gaps at the local government level, where many officials lack the technical knowledge required for drafting by-laws and moving motions effectively.
He noted that such deficiencies have, in some cases, led to the exploitation of staff by local government leadership.
He added that the institute, once established, would attract participants from across Nigeria and Africa, with seasoned professionals engaged to deliver high-quality training and promote knowledge exchange.
In a related development, the Commission recently organized a one-day capacity-building seminar for assembly staff as part of its broader commitment to institutional development.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Andas Malik, described the seminar as a milestone in efforts to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.
He said the programme was tailored to equip senior officers with essential leadership and management skills, with plans to extend similar training to middle and junior staff.
Malik highlighted the Commission’s statutory role in managing legislative personnel and emphasised the need for continuous professional development to ensure accountability, discipline, and effectiveness.
He noted that evolving parliamentary practices require a highly skilled workforce to sustain quality legislative output.
While acknowledging past challenges, particularly funding constraints that limited training opportunities.
Malik commended the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for granting financial autonomy to the assemblyly, enabling initiatives such as the seminar.
He also praised the leadership and members of the House for their support in advancing legislative autonomy and institutional growth, calling for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Observers say the combined push for a Legislative Training Institute and ongoing staff development programmes signals a significant step toward strengthening legislative governance in Kogi State and positioning it as a model for others.
The Speaker Kogi State house of Assembly, Rt Hon Umar Aliyu Yusuf , represented by the Deputy Speaker , Rt.Hon Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, described training and re training of staff in learning and upgrading themselves as effective management.
While highlighting the topic of the one day seminar as learning and managing high performing team in the parliament.
According to him, working as a team is crucial ; just as having a good foundation remains key in every organization.
He then charged the participants to strive to acquire the necessary knowledge and skill on offer for optimal service delivery.
