The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, has said the annual House of Representatives Open Week has become one of Nigeria’s most important platforms for promoting parliamentary openness, transparency and active citizen participation in democratic governance.
Delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week, the Clerk said the initiative reflects the House’s commitment to ensuring that Parliament remains not only a law-making institution but also one that listens to, respects and reflects the aspirations of Nigerians in national decision-making.
Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly Management, Ogunlana welcomed dignitaries to the event, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the judiciary, distinguished senators, members of the House, senior government officials, diplomats, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the media.
He described the House of Representatives as the arm of the National Assembly with the broadest representation of the Nigerian people, noting that its members, elected from all federal constituencies, provide the closest legislative link between government and citizens.
According to him, the unique grassroots reach of the House makes it the first point of legislative engagement for millions of Nigerians and the institution through which local aspirations are translated into national laws and policies.
The Clerk commended the achievements of the 10th House of Representatives, saying it has strengthened its committee system to enhance oversight and stakeholder engagement, considered an unprecedented number of public petitions to expand access to legislative redress, debated numerous motions on pressing national issues and introduced several bills aimed at promoting economic growth, strengthening institutions, improving national security, advancing social welfare and enhancing governance.
He said these accomplishments demonstrate a legislature that is responsive, innovative and committed to serving the interests of Nigerians.
Ogunlana noted that the Open Week provides an opportunity for the House to review its progress, assess its challenges and renew its commitment to representative democracy while making legislative processes more accessible and understandable to citizens.
He explained that the initiative temporarily removes the formal barriers of parliamentary procedure, allowing Nigerians to engage directly with their elected representatives and better understand the work of the legislature.
The Clerk stressed that such engagements strengthen democracy by improving public understanding of lawmaking while providing lawmakers with valuable feedback that enriches representation, informs policy decisions and enhances legislative effectiveness.
He added that at a time when transparency, accountability and public trust are essential to democratic governance, the Open Week demonstrates Parliament’s willingness to listen, learn and lead in partnership with the people.
Ogunlana also praised the leadership of the House of Representatives, under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, for institutionalising the initiative and promoting an open, responsive and accountable legislature.
He further acknowledged the support of development partners for their consistent contributions toward deepening parliamentary democracy and citizen engagement in Nigeria.
The Clerk urged participants to actively engage in the discussions, exhibitions, interactive sessions and other activities scheduled for the programme, expressing confidence that the ideas generated and partnerships forged during the week would contribute significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s Parliament and consolidating democratic governance.
He concluded by welcoming participants to the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week and wished them productive deliberations and a rewarding experience.
