Bukola Afeni
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the National Assembly Open Week 2026.
The organisation described the event as an opportunity for citizens to engage lawmakers, promote transparency and strengthen democratic governance.
The call was contained in a statement signed by Princess Hamman Obels, Director of IRIAD The Electoral Hub, ahead of the three day programme scheduled to hold from July 14 to 16, 2026, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, with the theme, “Advancing Transparency, Inclusion, and Reform.”
According to the organisation, the programme will feature legislative scorecards, thematic dialogues and public engagements on governance, security and democratic reforms aimed at strengthening legislative accountability and expanding citizens’ participation in governance.
IRIAD described the initiative as a commendable step towards legislative openness, noting that it would provide Nigerians with direct access to engage their elected representatives while promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
The organisation said one of the major highlights of this year’s event is the National Dialogue on Reserved Seats for Women and Persons with Disabilities, themed “Expanding Inclusive Representation.”
It urged the National Assembly to use the opportunity to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women to improve female representation and strengthen inclusive governance.
According to the statement, Nigeria continues to record low representation of women and persons with disabilities in political leadership, a situation it said limits inclusive decision making and weakens representative democracy.
IRIAD also identified the Youth Town Hall as another key feature of the programme, stressing that it would encourage young Nigerians to participate responsibly in governance ahead of the 2027 General Elections by promoting civic education, peaceful participation and the rejection of misinformation and political violence.
The organisation urged lawmakers to deepen legislative openness, strengthen oversight and advance reforms that would build public confidence in democratic institutions.
It also encouraged civil society organisations to provide evidence based recommendations, sustain advocacy for democratic reforms and promote civic education.
It further called on Nigerians to engage their elected representatives, demand accountability and participate actively in the legislative process.
“Nigerians have a unique opportunity to move from being observers of democracy to active participants in shaping the nation’s future.
“Democracy thrives when the National Assembly opens its doors, citizens engage with their elected representatives, and public institutions remain transparent, responsible, accountable and inclusive.”
IRIAD added that NASS Open Week 2026 presents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Parliament and citizens while advancing reforms that would shape Nigeria’s democratic future.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. It belongs to every Nigerian, and every voice matters,” the statement added.
