It has long been recognized and respected that legislative business plays an essential role in fostering democracy and serving the needs of the people. Despite modern democracies’ reliance on the legislature, legislative functions have existed as checks and balances in traditional institutions, as seen in the old Oyo Empire of Africa.
In the Oyo Empire, the Oyo Mesi, a council of seven councillors to the Alaafin, held legislative authority. It is evident from this historical example that it is very important to separate powers, even in traditional monarchies.
The legislatures of modern democracies are similarly charged with enacting progressive laws and monitoring their implementation by the executive branch.
Innovative approaches to governance become increasingly necessary as human society evolves and faces new challenges. For instance, advancements in technology have blurred international boundaries, leading to new issues such as climate change, terrorism, and migration, which require informed legislative responses. Through the creation of effective laws, the legislature addresses these challenges.
In light of the current global reality, lawmakers need access to empirical data and expert analysis to engage in productive legislative activities.
Thus, governments worldwide have established legislative research institutes as a means of providing professional support to their legislatures. These think-tank bodies, like the Korean Legislative Research Institute, the Congressional Research Service in the United States, and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in Nigeria, serve to gather and manage information, conduct research, and inform legislative policy.
The research produced by these institutes is invaluable to lawmakers, helping them improve legislation and make well-informed decisions on state policies. However, it is crucial to assess how effectively these research recommendations are utilized to introduce bills and pass them into law. The ultimate goal of these expert opinions is to guide the formulation of laws that empirically address society’s specific needs.
Taking Nigeria as an example, the wealth of legislative research documents produced by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and other academic institutions will only be impactful if implemented.
Applying theoretical ideas allows for testing their effectiveness. The legislature’s practical role is to monitor the executive’s successful implementation of laws through oversight, ensuring efficient and productive outcomes. For instance, the Legislative Centre for Security Analysis, housed within NILDS, has a significant role to play in tackling rising insecurity in the country. Lawmakers must have access to the center’s research documents, which will guide the formulation of bills to address security challenges effectively.
To close the gap between theory and practice in legislative research, it is essential for lawmakers to collaborate closely with these research institutes. By involving them from the formulation stage of bills to the passage level, legislators can gain a deep understanding of proposed laws and their implementation. This, in turn, facilitates seamless and effective oversight functions over government agencies.
Bridging the divide between theory and practice in legislative research is paramount for the optimal performance of the legislature.
Failing to implement research findings renders the legislative process and resources futile, as laws may be crafted without the expertise needed to address complex societal issues effectively. Ultimately, serving the best interests of the people requires a strong connection between empirical research and legislative action.
