2026 House Open Week Strengthens Transparency, Citizen Engagement in Parliament — NASS Clerk
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) Kamoru Ogunlana has described the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week as a vital platform for deepening democratic governance, promoting transparency and strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the Nigerian people.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, the CNA, on behalf of the National Assembly Management, welcomed dignitaries from across the country and commended the leadership of the House for sustaining an initiative that has become a symbol of parliamentary openness and public engagement.
The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the judiciary, lawmakers, representatives of the executive arm of government, diplomats, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the media.
According to the CNA, the Open Week has evolved into one of the most significant expressions of democratic participation in Nigeria, providing citizens with an opportunity to understand legislative processes and directly engage with their elected representatives.
He noted that the House of Representatives occupies a unique position within Nigeria’s democratic framework as the chamber with the broadest representation of the people, drawing members from every federal constituency across the country.
“The House serves as the closest legislative institution to the people, translating local aspirations into national policies and legislation,” he said.
The CNA also highlighted the achievements of the 10th House of Representatives, describing it as a responsive and people-centred legislature committed to addressing national challenges through effective lawmaking and oversight.
He pointed to the expansion of the committee system to improve oversight and stakeholder engagement, the consideration of an unprecedented number of public petitions, and the introduction of numerous bills aimed at promoting economic development, strengthening institutions, enhancing national security, improving governance and advancing social welfare.
According to him, these accomplishments demonstrate the House’s commitment to ensuring that citizens remain at the heart of the legislative process.
The CNA said Open Week offers lawmakers and citizens a valuable opportunity to reflect on the journey of the House, assess its achievements and challenges, and renew their commitment to representative democracy.
He stressed that the programme helps demystify parliamentary procedures by opening the doors of the legislature to ordinary Nigerians, thereby fostering greater public understanding of governance.
“Through initiatives such as Open Week, citizens gain deeper insight into legislative activities, while lawmakers receive important feedback that improves representation and policymaking,” he stated.
The Clerk further emphasized that transparency, accountability and public trust are essential pillars of democratic governance, adding that the House’s willingness to engage directly with citizens demonstrates its commitment to participatory democracy.
He commended the leadership of the House of Representatives under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for institutionalising the initiative and promoting a legislature that is open, responsive and accountable to the people.
The CNA also acknowledged the contributions of development partners for their continued support in strengthening parliamentary democracy and enhancing citizen participation in governance.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the discussions, exhibitions, interactive sessions and other activities scheduled during the week-long event, expressing confidence that the engagements would contribute to building a stronger Parliament and a more vibrant democracy.
The 2026 House of Representatives Open Week is expected to feature a series of stakeholder engagements aimed at fostering dialogue between lawmakers and citizens while showcasing the work and achievements of the Green Chamber.
The Clerk concluded by welcoming participants and expressing optimism that the event would further consolidate democratic values and strengthen public confidence in the National Assembly.