President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday in Abuja, declared the National Assembly Open Week open.

Mr Akpabio, in his remarks at the opening, said that the initiative was designed to deepen public trust by providing citizens and stakeholders with greater insight into the work of the 10th NASS.

The politician also described the initiative as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, accountability and stronger public engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process. He said the event underscored the principle that parliament existed primarily to serve Nigerians and should remain accessible to the people whose mandate gave it legitimacy.

The Senate president also said parliament was never intended to operate behind closed doors, stressing that democracy could only flourish when citizens were adequately informed, actively engaged and confident that their voices were reflected in the legislative process.

According to him, the ‘Open Week’ offers Nigerians an opportunity to look beyond public perceptions and appreciate parliament as the institution where citizens’ aspirations are translated into laws, oversight and representation for national development.

Mr Akpabio described openness in governance as a democratic necessity rather than a ceremonial exercise. He noted that enduring democracies were sustained by legislatures capable of accommodating diverse opinions and reconciling competing national interests.

“History teaches us that great nations are sustained not merely by strong executives or independent judiciaries, but by parliaments where differing opinions are heard, competing interests are reconciled, and every citizen ultimately finds constitutional expression,” he said.

Mr Akpabio noted that transparency extended beyond allowing citizens to observe legislative proceedings, adding that every Nigerian, irrespective of location or status, deserved meaningful representation and equal consideration in national decision-making.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the programme was founded on the belief that an open and responsive parliament was essential for building public confidence and strengthening democratic institutions.

Mr Abbas said the initiative would create opportunities for meaningful dialogue among legislators, citizens, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector, while promoting transparency and inclusive governance.

The three-day event will feature a series of high-level, people-centred engagements aimed at bridging gaps among lawmakers, citizens, the private sector, and policymakers, while encouraging greater public participation in the legislative process.

(NAN)