Jane Salihu
As the House of Representatives begins the 2026 National Assembly (NASS) Open Week, the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has urged lawmakers to move beyond public engagement by taking concrete legislative action to advance women’s political representation in Nigeria.
The organisation said the three-day programme, scheduled to hold from July 14 to 16 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, presents a unique opportunity for the House of Representatives to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, inclusion and democratic reform through the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women.
In a statement signed by its Director, Princess Hamman-Obels, IRIAD described NASS Open Week as a commendable initiative that reflects good practice in legislative openness and citizen participation by creating a platform for Nigerians to engage directly with their elected representatives on issues of governance, security and democratic reforms.
According to the organisation, the programme goes beyond an institutional event, as it reinforces the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusive governance by opening legislative processes to public scrutiny and encouraging meaningful engagement between Parliament and citizens.
IRIAD noted that at a time when Nigerians are demanding greater openness in governance, stronger legislative oversight and more inclusive policymaking, NASS Open Week provides an important opportunity to rebuild public trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the relationship between the Legislature and the people.
The organisation, however, stressed that one of the defining moments of this year’s programme will be the National Dialogue on Reserved Seats for Women and Persons with Disabilities, themed “Expanding Inclusive Representation.”
It observed that Nigeria continues to record one of the lowest levels of women’s political representation in Africa, while persons with disabilities remain largely excluded from public decision-making, a situation it said weakens representative democracy and limits diverse perspectives in governance.
IRIAD therefore called on lawmakers to seize the opportunity presented by the dialogue to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a landmark reform capable of expanding women’s representation, strengthening democratic governance and promoting more inclusive decision-making.
The organisation also underscored the significance of the Youth Town Hall, saying it highlights the critical role young Nigerians must play in shaping the country’s democratic future, particularly as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 General Elections.
It urged young people to embrace civic responsibility by participating peacefully in the electoral process, rejecting misinformation, political violence and hate speech, while contributing constructively to governance and nation-building.
Calling on the National Assembly to deepen legislative openness and strengthen oversight, IRIAD encouraged lawmakers to pursue reforms that would build public confidence in democratic institutions and ensure governance remains transparent, accountable and inclusive.
The organisation also urged civil society organisations to actively participate throughout the Open Week by providing evidence-based recommendations, promoting civic education, monitoring legislative performance and sustaining advocacy for reforms that strengthen democratic governance.
It further called on Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative by engaging their representatives, asking informed questions and demanding accountability, stressing that democracy can only flourish when citizens actively participate in the governance process.
“NASS Open Week 2026 reminds us that democracy is strongest when institutions remain open, citizens remain engaged and leaders remain accountable,” the statement said.
IRIAD maintained that the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women during the Open Week would not only strengthen inclusive representation but also leave a lasting legacy of democratic reform, demonstrating the House of Representatives’ commitment to translating the principles of transparency, inclusion and accountability into meaningful legislative action.
