House Open Week Deepens Public Trust, Strengthens Democracy — Clerk to National Assembly

House Open Week Deepens Public Trust, Strengthens Democracy — Clerk to National Assembly

Abuja, Nigeria — The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana, has described the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week as a critical platform for deepening democratic governance, promoting transparency, and strengthening the bond between Parliament and the Nigerian people.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, Ogunlana, on behalf of the National Assembly Management, welcomed distinguished guests from across the country and commended the leadership of the House of Representatives for sustaining an initiative that has become a hallmark of parliamentary openness, accountability, and citizen engagement.

The event attracted an array of eminent personalities, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the judiciary, lawmakers, representatives of the executive arm of government, diplomats, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and members of the media.

According to the CNA, the House Open Week has evolved into one of Nigeria's foremost platforms for democratic participation, providing citizens with a unique opportunity to better understand the legislative process and engage directly with their elected representatives.

He noted that the House of Representatives occupies a unique place within Nigeria's democratic architecture as the chamber with the broadest representation, drawing members from every federal constituency across the country.

"The House serves as the closest legislative institution to the people, translating local aspirations into national policies and legislation," he said.

Ogunlana also highlighted the achievements of the 10th House of Representatives, describing it as a responsive, reform-driven, and people-centred legislature committed to addressing national challenges through effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation.

He cited the expansion of the committee system to strengthen oversight and stakeholder engagement, the consideration of an unprecedented number of public petitions, and the introduction of numerous bills aimed at promoting economic growth, strengthening institutions, enhancing national security, improving governance, and advancing social welfare.

According to him, these accomplishments underscore the House's commitment to placing citizens at the centre of the legislative process.

The CNA noted that the Open Week provides lawmakers and citizens with an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the House's journey, assess its achievements and challenges, and renew their shared commitment to representative democracy.

He stressed that the initiative helps demystify parliamentary procedures by opening the doors of the legislature to ordinary Nigerians, thereby fostering greater public understanding of governance and strengthening confidence in democratic institutions.

"Through initiatives such as Open Week, citizens gain deeper insight into legislative activities, while lawmakers receive valuable feedback that enhances representation and improves policymaking," he stated.

Ogunlana further emphasised that transparency, accountability, and public trust remain indispensable pillars of democratic governance, adding that the House's willingness to engage directly with citizens reflects its unwavering commitment to participatory democracy.

He commended the leadership of the House of Representatives under the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for institutionalising the initiative and promoting a legislature that is open, responsive, and accountable to the Nigerian people.

The Clerk also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of development partners for their continued support in strengthening parliamentary democracy and expanding opportunities for citizen participation in governance.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunities presented by the week-long programme, including panel discussions, exhibitions, interactive sessions, and stakeholder engagements, expressing confidence that the activities would further strengthen the National Assembly and Nigeria's democratic institutions.

The 2026 House of Representatives Open Week is expected to feature a series of high-level engagements designed to foster dialogue between lawmakers and citizens while showcasing the legislative achievements and institutional reforms of the Green Chamber.

Ogunlana concluded by welcoming all participants and expressing optimism that the event would further consolidate democratic values, reinforce transparency and accountability, and deepen public confidence in the National Assembly.