The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has called on the National Assembly to use the 2026 National Assembly Open Week to advance key democratic reforms, including the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a landmark step towards inclusive representation and stronger democratic governance.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, IRIAD–The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, the House of Representatives will host the 2026 NASS Open Week from 14 to 16 July at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, under the theme, “Advancing Transparency, Inclusion, and Reform.”
The organisation said the three-day programme, which features legislative scorecards, thematic dialogues and public engagements on governance, security and democratic reforms, is designed to deepen transparency, strengthen legislative accountability and expand citizens’ participation by providing a direct platform for engagement between Nigerians and their elected representatives.
IRIAD described the initiative as a commendable demonstration of legislative openness, noting that it reinforces the House of Representatives’ commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion and public participation in governance.
The organisation stated that NASS Open Week comes at a critical time when Nigerians are demanding greater openness in governance, stronger legislative oversight and more inclusive policymaking, adding that the programme provides an important bridge between citizens and the legislature while promoting trust in democratic institutions.
It identified the National Dialogue on Reserved Seats for Women and Persons with Disabilities, themed “Expanding Inclusive Representation,” as one of the highlights of this year’s programme, stressing that Nigeria continues to record one of the lowest levels of women’s political representation in Africa, while persons with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in governance.
IRIAD urged lawmakers to seize the opportunity presented by the dialogue to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, saying the legislation would expand women’s political representation, strengthen democratic governance and translate the principles of transparency, inclusion and reform into concrete legislative action.
The organisation also highlighted the significance of the Youth Town Hall, describing it as a vital platform for preparing young Nigerians to participate responsibly in the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Elections. It said young people must be equipped with civic knowledge and democratic values to reject misinformation, political violence and hate speech while embracing peaceful participation and constructive engagement in governance.
IRIAD further called on civil society organisations to actively participate throughout the Open Week by providing evidence-based recommendations, mobilising citizens and sustaining advocacy for reforms that strengthen democratic governance. It also encouraged continued civic education and legislative monitoring to ensure the interests of women, youths, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups remain central to public policymaking.
The organisation urged Nigerians to take advantage of the Open Week to engage their representatives, ask informed questions and demand accountability, emphasising that democracy flourishes when citizens move beyond being observers to becoming active participants in shaping the nation’s future.
IRIAD maintained that the 2026 NASS Open Week presents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Parliament and the people, promote inclusive governance and advance reforms capable of transforming Nigeria’s democratic landscape, including the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women.
