Credible Elections, Stronger Oversight Top Demands at NASS Open Week

Stakeholders on Tuesday called for credible elections, stronger legislative oversight and increased transparency in governance as the National Assembly commenced its Open Week in Abuja.

The event, themed “Three Years of the 10th National Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform,” brought together lawmakers, civil society groups and former public office holders to assess the performance of the current Assembly and chart a path for the remaining years of its tenure.

Former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, said lawmakers derive their legitimacy from the people and must emerge through free, fair and credible elections.

He urged members of the National Assembly to remain committed to the interests and aspirations of Nigerians, stressing that their primary responsibility is to serve the people they represent.

Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, described the Open Week as an opportunity to review the achievements of the 10th National Assembly and examine areas requiring further action.

He said the Assembly had demonstrated commitment through the ongoing constitutional review process, efforts to modernise legislative procedures, consideration of electoral and governance reforms, deployment of digital platforms and increased engagement with citizens and civil society organisations.

Nwankwo also commended the legislature’s resilience in responding to emerging national challenges while maintaining a stable legislative environment.

However, he said Nigerians expect the National Assembly to exercise greater independence in its oversight of the executive arm of government.

“The Legislature is at its strongest not when it agrees with the Executive, but when it faithfully discharges its constitutional duty to scrutinise executive action, protect public resources and ensure that government remains accountable to the people,” he said.

He added that citizens expect more timely action on critical national issues, greater transparency in legislative activities, wider public participation in law-making and reforms that improve governance, security, economic opportunities and social justice.

As the 10th Assembly enters the final phase of its tenure, Nwankwo urged lawmakers to consolidate their legacy by concluding the constitutional amendment process in line with national consensus.

He identified priority areas to include strengthening the legal framework for credible elections, passing the Special Seats Bill for Women, advancing inclusive reforms, improving transparency in parliamentary operations and ensuring that oversight activities deliver measurable outcomes for citizens.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari, commended the National Assembly Open Week initiative, describing it as evidence that the legislature is living up to its reputation as the “People’s House.”Former Senator Shehu Sani challenged lawmakers to enact legislation that directly addresses the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library, Henry Nwawuba, said the Open Week demonstrates the commitment of the leadership and members of the National Assembly to deepening democratic governance.

According to him, the initiative provides Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the 10th National Assembly, appreciate its legislative achievements and strengthen the relationship between parliament and the citizens it represents.

Nwawuba noted that this year’s edition coincides with the second anniversary of the National Assembly Library, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.

He said the library has remained committed to preserving Nigeria’s legislative heritage, promoting research, expanding public access to legislative information and modernising parliamentary knowledge management through technology.

“Within two years, the National Assembly Library has evolved into a leading centre for legislative memory and public engagement,” he said.

Other stakeholders who delivered goodwill messages underscored the importance of transparency, inclusion, accountability and sustained reforms in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.