Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, has issued a powerful call for a more transparent and people-centred legislature, declaring that democracy flourishes when citizens are actively involved in the lawmaking process. Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, the 19th Fulani Emir of the Zazzau Emirate stressed that openness and public participation are not mere niceties but essential pillars for building trust in democratic institutions and strengthening governance. His remarks, which resonated deeply with the event's theme of advancing transparency, inclusion, and reform, underscored a growing national consensus that Nigeria's legislature must shed its veil of inaccessibility and become a truly public institution.
"A legislature that is open to the people becomes stronger, more effective, and more responsive," Bamali declared, his words carrying the weight of both tradition and modern democratic aspiration. He articulated a vision where governance is not a distant, opaque process but a visible and accessible engagement between representatives and the represented. "When citizens are included in the lawmaking process, when they understand how decisions are made, and when they can see the work of their representatives clearly, democracy becomes meaningful," the Emir stated. He concluded with a principle that cut to the heart of the matter: "Public confidence grows when governance is not hidden but visible and accessible". The traditional ruler's address was a highlight of the opening day of the three-day event, which runs from July 14 to 16 at the National Assembly Complex.
The 2026 National Assembly Open Week, now in its third edition, is the legislature's flagship public engagement initiative designed to bridge the gap between citizens and the often-inscrutable processes of lawmaking. This year's theme, "Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform," reflects the House's stated commitment to remaining accountable, accessible, and responsive to all Nigerians. The event has drawn an impressive roster of high-level attendees, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the 36 state governors. The programme features a series of high-level engagements, including a National Security and Traditional Rulers Roundtable, a dialogue on the Special Seats Bill for Women and Persons with Disabilities, and a Youth Townhall, designed to ensure that diverse voices are reflected in national priorities.
The Emir's call for openness was echoed by other prominent figures at the event, reinforcing a unified message that the legislature must do more to invite public scrutiny. The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who himself served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged the National Assembly to strengthen public understanding of the legislative process. He insisted that Nigerians should be able to follow how laws are made, understand how public resources are appropriated, and see how legislative oversight protects the national interest. "Having had the privilege of serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives, I understand the weight of the gavel and the difficult task of reconciling competing interests in a manner that preserves unity and advances the common good," Gbajabiamila said, calling for a legislature that regularly consults the people whose lives are affected by its decisions.
The Open Week has proceeded despite recent tensions within the legislature over budget implementation, with the House of Representatives firmly dismissing calls for its cancellation. Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, assured journalists that the budget-related controversy would not affect the House's commitment to promoting transparency and public engagement. "NASS Open Week has come to stay. It has helped to showcase our activities to major stakeholders across the globe," Agbese stated, describing the event as a flagship initiative of the 10th House under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The decision to proceed with the event, despite internal disagreements, was seen by observers as a deliberate signal that the legislature remains committed to its reform agenda even amid political friction.
For many Nigerians, the National Assembly has long been viewed as one of the country's most powerful yet least understood institutions. While lawmakers make decisions that shape the nation's economy, security, and governance, citizens have often remained disconnected from the legislative process, seeing parliament only through the lens of controversies and budget disputes. The Open Week initiative seeks to change that perception by throwing open the doors of the legislature to citizens, civil society organisations, the media, students, and development partners. As one analysis noted, citizens no longer want to be informed only after decisions have been made; they want to understand how those decisions are reached and how their elected representatives vote on issues that affect their daily lives.
The significance of this year's Open Week extends beyond ceremonial tours or public lectures. It comes at a time when many Nigerians are questioning the performance of public institutions amid economic hardship and insecurity. Public confidence in governance has been tested, making accountability more important than ever. By inviting Nigerians into conversations about legislation, committee work, and parliamentary oversight, the National Assembly has an opportunity to demonstrate that democracy is not confined to election periods. Effective representation requires continuous dialogue between elected officials and their constituents. As the Emir of Zazzau so eloquently reminded the nation, democracy becomes meaningful only when it is visible, accessible, and open to the people it is meant to serve.
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