In a significant step towards strengthening Nigerian democracy and shaping National Development, the Nigerian Former Legislators (NFLF) held its maiden summit on Saturday, the 3rd of May 2025, at the International Conference Center, Enugu, Nigeria.
The forum, which is an Assemblage of former legislators, had Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, as the convener
and coordinated by Hon. Uko Nkole, who represented the Ohafia/Arochukwu federal constituency of Abia State.
It aims to put a sustainable structure in place to leverage the wealth of experience in Nigerian law-making.
Speaking at the event, Senator Stella Odua proposed a sustainable welfare scheme to ensure long-term sustainability for members.
Addressing the gathering, Hon Benjamin Kalu described former lawmakers as vital reservoirs of insight whose wealth of experience remains crucial to Nigeria’s development.
According to Hon.Kalu, NFLF would adopt a robust framework that prioritizes pension security, holistic welfare, institutionalized expertise, and privileges for its members.
For the Host, Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State, hosting the historic summit in the state was both fitting and symbolic.
Gov.Mbah noted that, from all indications, the summit has opened a new chapter, offering former lawmakers a platform to help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and development.
In his keynote address, the guest speaker and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, highlighted the role of former lawmakers in protecting democracy. He stressed that their leadership experience and mentorship must be preserved and utilized.
The event drew prominent former lawmakers from across Nigeria, including ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Speaker Yakubu Dogara; former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha; former Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha; ex-Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Executive Director,( projects) South East Development Commission, and a host of other notable lawmakers in Nigeria.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a communique and recommendations aimed at improving Legislative processes and outcomes, signaling a promising start.