Opinion
NASS OPEN WEEK AND AKPABIO’S PUSH FOR MORE OPEN PARLIAMENT
By Malachy Ukpong
The inauguration of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week by Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has sparked widespread discussion among political stakeholders, governance experts, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic community, students and Nigerians.
Across many established democracies, parliamentary open days or open weeks provide opportunities for citizens to better understand how legislatures function. These programmes allow the public to interact directly with lawmakers, observe parliamentary proceedings, participate in policy discussions and appreciate the constitutional responsibilities of the legislative arm of government. The National Assembly Open Week seeks to promote this democratic culture by opening Nigeria’s Parliament to wider public engagement.
For many Nigerians, the National Assembly has often appeared distant, with its activities largely viewed through media reports and political debates. The Open Week initiative aims to bridge this gap by creating opportunities for citizens to engage lawmakers directly, ask questions about legislative priorities, understand the lawmaking process and appreciate the legislature’s oversight and representation functions.
The programme also reflects the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to institutional transparency. During the Open Week, committees, principal officers and lawmakers showcase legislative activities, explain bills under consideration, provide updates on constituency projects and discuss ongoing constitutional and policy reforms. These engagements help citizens understand how legislation is developed, how oversight is conducted and how appropriated public resources are intended to support national development.
Supporters argue that transparency is essential to democratic governance. When citizens have greater access to parliamentary proceedings and decision-making processes, they are better equipped to hold elected representatives accountable. Public engagement also enables lawmakers to receive direct feedback from constituents, improving the quality of legislation and strengthening confidence in democratic institutions.
Another key objective of the National Assembly Open Week is to promote inclusive governance. Stakeholders from various sectors—including traditional rulers, civil society organisations, professional associations, women’s groups, youth organisations, labour unions, faith-based organisations, persons with disabilities, students, development partners and the media—are encouraged to participate in discussions on issues affecting national development.
The emphasis on inclusion reflects Senate President Akpabio’s consistent position that democratic governance should accommodate diverse perspectives and provide every segment of society with an opportunity to contribute to national policymaking. According to him, Parliament should not isolate itself from the people but serve as a constitutional platform where differing opinions are debated, competing interests reconciled and national consensus built.
The Open Week also provides an avenue to discuss ongoing constitutional amendment proposals before the National Assembly. Issues attracting significant public interest include electoral reforms, judicial reforms, local government administration, fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, the establishment of state police and measures to improve the participation of women and persons with disabilities in governance.
Stakeholders are able to present memoranda, share expert opinions and offer recommendations to lawmakers.
One proposal receiving considerable attention is the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats reserved for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly as a temporary affirmative action measure. Supporters believe the proposal could address the
underrepresentation of women in elective offices and strengthen gender inclusion in Nigeria’s democratic process. The Open Week offers another platform for citizens and advocacy groups to express support, raise concerns and make recommendations.
The initiative also strengthens collaboration between Parliament and other arms of government while respecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers. By encouraging dialogue among legislators, government institutions, development partners and the public, the Open Week promotes broader consultation before major legislative decisions are taken. Such engagement has the potential to improve policy implementation by ensuring laws reflect practical realities and stakeholder input.
Beyond policy discussions, the National Assembly Open Week serves an important civic education purpose. Through guided tours, interactive sessions, exhibitions and public lectures, participants gain a better understanding of how bills become law, the oversight responsibilities of legislative committees and the representative duties of elected lawmakers. This helps build a more informed and politically engaged citizenry.
At the inauguration of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, Senate President Akpabio underscored the importance of listening to citizens as the foundation of effective governance, stating: “A Parliament that listens becomes wiser. A democracy that listens becomes stronger.” The statement captures the initiative’s broader objective of promoting dialogue, encouraging citizen participation and strengthening democratic accountability.
Ultimately, the success of the National Assembly Open Week will be measured not only by attendance or public interest but by its long-term impact on legislative openness, public trust and citizen participation. If sustained and continuously improved, the initiative could significantly contribute to making Nigeria’s Parliament more transparent, accessible and responsive to the aspirations of the people.
The National Assembly Open Week therefore represents an important opportunity to deepen democratic engagement by fostering dialogue between elected representatives and citizens. Whether viewed as a transparency initiative, a civic education programme or a platform for inclusive governance, its lasting value will depend on how effectively it strengthens public confidence in the legislature and encourages meaningful participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.