2026 House Open Week: National Assembly Clerk Hails Reps as Nigeria’s Closest Link to the People
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Clerk to the National Assembly has described the House of Representatives as the arm of government with the deepest grassroots connection to Nigerians, saying the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week reflects the commitment of the Green Chamber to transparency, accountability and citizen-centred lawmaking.
The position was contained in a goodwill message by the Clerk to the National Assembly, issued at the opening ceremony of the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week, where he commended the leadership of the 10th House for institutionalising the annual initiative aimed at strengthening democratic engagement and public trust in Parliament.
Welcoming dignitaries, lawmakers, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, civil society organisations, development partners and the media, the Clerk said the Open Week has become one of Nigeria’s most important platforms for parliamentary openness and democratic participation.
He noted that the House of Representatives remains uniquely positioned within Nigeria’s constitutional framework because its members are elected from every federal constituency across the country, making it the legislative institution with the closest relationship to ordinary citizens.
“The Open Week has become one of the most important expressions of parliamentary openness and democratic engagement in Nigeria. It demonstrates the commitment of the House of Representatives to ensuring that Parliament remains not merely an institution where laws are enacted, but one where the voices of citizens are heard, respected and reflected in national decision-making,” the Clerk stated.
According to him, the House has continued to strengthen its legislative relevance by expanding its committee system to improve oversight and stakeholder engagement while also increasing citizens’ access to legislative redress through the consideration of an unprecedented number of public petitions.
He added that the 10th House has deliberated on numerous motions addressing pressing national concerns and introduced significant legislation designed to stimulate economic growth, strengthen public institutions, improve national security, advance social welfare and promote good governance.
The Clerk described the achievements as evidence of a legislature that is responsive, innovative and committed to serving Nigerians.
“The 10th House of Representatives has continued to reinforce this unique identity. Guided by a vision of a vibrant, inclusive and people-centred legislature, it has expanded the scope of its committee system to strengthen oversight and stakeholder engagement… These milestones reflect a House that is responsive, innovative and firmly committed to serving the Nigerian people,” he said.
He explained that the annual Open Week provides an opportunity for lawmakers to reflect on their performance, assess challenges, celebrate achievements and deepen interaction with citizens.
According to him, the initiative also helps demystify parliamentary procedures by opening the doors of the National Assembly to direct engagement between legislators and the public.
The Clerk stressed that such interactions are essential for strengthening democracy because they improve public understanding of legislative processes while providing lawmakers with valuable feedback that enhances representation and policymaking.
He further commended the leadership of the House of Representatives, under the Speaker, for sustaining the initiative and promoting a legislature that remains transparent, accountable and responsive to Nigerians.
The Clerk also acknowledged the contributions of development partners for supporting programmes aimed at deepening parliamentary democracy and citizen participation.
He urged participants to actively engage in the discussions, exhibitions and interactive sessions lined up for the event, expressing confidence that the ideas generated during the Open Week would contribute significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s Parliament and consolidating democratic governance.
The House of Representatives Open Week is an annual public engagement initiative designed to promote transparency, accountability and stronger interaction between lawmakers and the citizens they represent.
