By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday challenged Nigerians to acquire a better understanding of the legislative process and the laws enacted by the National Assembly before criticising the institution, saying informed public engagement is vital to deepening democracy and strengthening governance.
Akpabio made the call while declaring open the 2026 National Assembly Open Week at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. He described the annual initiative as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, accountability, openness and active citizens’ engagement.
The event, themed “Three Years of the 10th National Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform,” attracted lawmakers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, youth groups, the media and other stakeholders.
Addressing participants, the Senate President said every Nigerian has the constitutional right to question the activities of the National Assembly, but stressed that such criticism should be rooted in facts and a proper appreciation of the constitutional responsibilities of the legislature.
He noted that many misconceptions about the National Assembly arise from limited knowledge of the lawmaking process and urged citizens to take time to study legislation passed by the Assembly and understand parliamentary procedures before passing judgment on lawmakers.
According to him, constructive criticism based on knowledge and facts would not only strengthen the legislature but also contribute to better governance and democratic development.
Akpabio said the Open Week was introduced to bridge the gap between the National Assembly and Nigerians by providing a platform for direct interaction, public enlightenment and feedback on legislative activities.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the Open Week reflects the resolve of the 10th National Assembly to operate an open parliament that is transparent, inclusive and responsive to the aspirations of Nigerians.
He said the programme offers citizens the opportunity to assess the Assembly’s performance over the past three years while participating in discussions on national issues, including security, constitutional amendment, economic reforms, youth development, inclusion and legislative accountability.
Abbas added that activities scheduled for the three day event include a National Security Roundtable, Legislative Business Breakfast, Youth Town Hall Meeting, policy dialogues, exhibitions, constituency and oversight engagements as well as interactive sessions designed to deepen public understanding of the legislative process.
Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, also addressed participants, calling for sustained efforts to make the work of the National Assembly more accessible and easier for Nigerians to understand in order to build greater public confidence in democratic institutions.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the three year scorecard of the 10th National Assembly, showcasing landmark legislative interventions, oversight activities and institutional reforms undertaken since its inauguration in June 2023.
Among the prominent personalities in attendance were the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, development partners, civil society organisations and journalists.
The National Assembly Open Week, which runs from July 14 to 16, is expected to provide Nigerians with greater insight into the workings of the legislature while promoting transparency, accountability and stronger public participation in the country’s democratic process.
