BY: CHARLES CHIJIOKE
ABUJA — The Clerk to the National Assembly has praised the House of Representatives for transforming the annual Open Week into a powerful platform for democratic participation, transparency and accountability, declaring that the initiative has strengthened the bond between Parliament and the Nigerian people.
Delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, the Clerk described the event as one of Nigeria’s most significant expressions of parliamentary openness, saying it reflects the determination of the Green Chamber to ensure that citizens remain at the centre of legislative decision-making.
Afrilensnews reports that the Clerk, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly Management, welcomed top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, the media and other invited guests for participating in the event.
He said the House of Representatives remains the arm of the National Assembly with the broadest representation of Nigerians because its members are elected from every federal constituency across the country.
According to him, the House has continued to serve as the closest legislative institution to the people, making it the primary channel through which the aspirations, concerns and expectations of ordinary Nigerians are translated into national policies and laws.
The Clerk commended the achievements recorded by the 10th House of Representatives, stating that it has remained focused on building “a vibrant, inclusive and people-centred legislature.”
He noted that the House has expanded its committee system to strengthen legislative oversight and stakeholder engagement, considered an unprecedented number of public petitions, debated several motions on pressing national issues and introduced numerous bills aimed at promoting economic growth, strengthening public institutions, enhancing national security, advancing social welfare and improving governance.
He stressed that these milestones demonstrate a legislature that is responsive, innovative and committed to serving the interests of Nigerians.
Describing the Open Week as more than a ceremonial gathering, the Clerk said the programme offers lawmakers an opportunity to review their performance, assess existing challenges and renew their commitment to representative democracy.
He explained that the initiative also opens the doors of Parliament to citizens, enabling direct interaction between elected representatives and the people they serve while making legislative procedures easier to understand.
“It is through engagements such as this that democracy is strengthened. Citizens gain a better understanding of the legislative process, while Members receive invaluable feedback that enriches representation, informs policy choices and enhances legislative effectiveness,” he said.
The Clerk further stated that public trust, transparency and accountability have become indispensable pillars of democratic governance, adding that initiatives like the House Open Week demonstrate Parliament’s readiness to “listen, learn and lead in partnership with the people.”
He applauded the leadership of the House of Representatives under the Speaker for institutionalising the annual initiative and sustaining efforts to build an open, responsive and accountable legislature.
The National Assembly’s administrative head also acknowledged the contributions of development partners who have continued to support programmes aimed at deepening parliamentary democracy and encouraging greater citizen participation in governance.
He urged participants to actively engage in the discussions, exhibitions and interactive sessions scheduled for the programme, expressing confidence that the ideas generated during the event would further strengthen Nigeria’s legislature and democratic institutions.
The 2026 House of Representatives Open Week is expected to feature engagements between lawmakers and citizens, policy dialogues, exhibitions and stakeholder interactions designed to improve public understanding of legislative activities and promote accountability.
Political observers believe the initiative could further enhance public confidence in the National Assembly, strengthen citizen participation in governance and reinforce democratic institutions by encouraging greater transparency and legislative responsiveness.
