President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday declared open the National Assembly (NASS) Open Week, describing the initiative as a major step toward strengthening transparency, accountability and public participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, Akpabio said the programme was designed to deepen public trust by giving citizens and stakeholders a clearer understanding of the work of the 10th National Assembly.
According to him, the initiative reflects the legislature’s commitment to openness and reinforces the principle that parliament exists to serve Nigerians.
“We are assembled today for something far greater than either Chamber. Parliament belongs not to those elected to sit within it, but to the millions whose hopes and votes brought it into existence,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President stressed that parliament should remain accessible to the people, noting that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, actively engaged and confident that their voices are represented in the legislative process.
“Parliament was never built to keep the people out. It was built to bring them in, for democracy flourishes only in the confidence of an informed and engaged citizenry,” he said.
NASS Open Week to Promote Transparency
Akpabio said the Open Week provides Nigerians with an opportunity to look beyond public perceptions and understand parliament’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight and representation.
“This Open Week invites Nigerians to look beyond the headlines and the sound bites to see parliament as the meeting point between the aspirations of the people and the responsibilities of government,” he stated.
He described openness in governance as a democratic necessity rather than a ceremonial exercise, adding that strong legislatures remain central to sustaining democratic institutions.
According to him, transparency goes beyond allowing citizens to observe legislative proceedings, insisting that every Nigerian deserves meaningful representation regardless of location or social status.
“Openness means more than allowing citizens to observe proceedings. It means assuring every Nigerian that no community is too remote, no voice too quiet, and no corner of this Republic too insignificant to deserve representation,” Akpabio said.
He encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the legislative process by engaging lawmakers, offering commendation where necessary and constructive criticism when appropriate.
“A parliament that listens becomes wiser. A democracy that listens becomes stronger,” he added.
Abbas Highlights Importance of Open Parliament
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the National Assembly Open Week was established on the belief that an open and responsive parliament is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and building public confidence.
Abbas said the initiative would provide a platform for dialogue between lawmakers, citizens, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector, while promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
Three-Day Programme to Foster Citizen Participation
The three-day National Assembly Open Week will feature a series of high-level, people-focused engagements aimed at bridging the gap between legislators and the public.
The programme is expected to encourage broader citizen participation in the legislative process while fostering collaboration between lawmakers, policymakers, the private sector and civil society groups.
