By Stephen Simon
The National Assembly will on Tuesday commence its third Open Week, bringing together top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the public to deepen transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in the legislative process.
The three-day event, scheduled to run from July 14 to 16, marks the third anniversary of the 10th National Assembly and will be held under the theme, “Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform.” Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said the programme reflects the legislature’s commitment to building an open, accessible and responsive parliament.
According to the organisers, the Open Week will feature legislative dialogues, policy discussions, exhibitions, interactive sessions and public engagements designed to give Nigerians greater insight into the workings of the National Assembly and its lawmaking responsibilities.
The National Assembly Library is expected to host a series of strategic national dialogues involving lawmakers, academics, development partners, the private sector and civil society groups on issues affecting governance, national development and legislative reforms.
Speaker Abbas said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the 10th Assembly to strengthen public trust in the legislature through openness, inclusiveness and greater interaction with citizens. He urged Nigerians to actively participate in the programme and contribute ideas that would enhance democratic governance.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, members of both chambers of the National Assembly and several key government officials are expected to participate in the various activities lined up for the event, alongside representatives of international organisations and diplomatic missions.
The annual Open Week has become one of the National Assembly’s flagship public engagement initiatives, providing citizens with a platform to interact directly with lawmakers, assess the performance of the legislature and promote greater understanding of the legislative process as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
