Abuja: President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday in Abuja, declared open the National Assembly (NASS) Open Week. Akpabio in his remarks at the opening said that the initiative was designed to deepen public trust by providing citizens and stakeholders with greater insight into the work of the 10th NASS. He also described the initiative as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, accountability and stronger public engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event underscored the principle that parliament existed primarily to serve Nigerians and should remain accessible to the people whose mandate gave it legitimacy. Akpabio emphasized that parliament was never intended to operate behind closed doors, stressing that democracy could only flourish when citizens were adequately informed, actively engaged and confident that their voices were reflected in the legislative process.
He highlighted that the ‘Open Week’ offers Nigerians an opportunity to look beyond public perceptions and appreciate parliament as the institution where citizens’ aspirations are translated into laws, oversight, and representation for national development. Akpabio described openness in governance as a democratic necessity rather than a ceremonial exercise, noting that enduring democracies were sustained by legislatures capable of accommodating diverse opinions and reconciling competing national interests.
Akpabio further noted that transparency extended beyond allowing citizens to observe legislative proceedings, adding that every Nigerian, irrespective of location or status, deserved meaningful representation and equal consideration in national decision-making. He encouraged Nigerians not merely to observe but to engage with the parliament, asserting that a parliament willing to listen would become more responsive, while a listening democracy would continue to grow stronger.
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized that the programme was founded on the belief that an open and responsive parliament was essential for building public confidence and strengthening democratic institutions. Abbas mentioned that the initiative would create opportunities for meaningful dialogue between legislators, citizens, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector, while promoting transparency and inclusive governance. The three-day event will feature a series of high-level, people-centred engagements aimed at bridging the gap between lawmakers, citizens, the private sector, and policymakers, encouraging greater public participation in the legislative process.