The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has commended the National Assembly for successfully hosting the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, while urging lawmakers to translate the resolutions and commitments made during the three-day engagement into concrete legislative actions and measurable reforms.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, the 2026 NASS Open Week, held from July 14 to 16 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, brought together legislators, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, development partners, women, youths, persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, the media and citizens to advance transparency, accountability and public participation in legislative governance.
The organisation described the event as an important platform for open dialogue on national priorities, noting that it reaffirmed the legislature’s responsibility to serve Nigerians with responsiveness and respect for democratic principles.
IRIAD, however, stressed that the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured not by the number of discussions held but by the implementation of the resolutions reached. It called on the National Assembly to ensure that the outcomes of deliberations on legislative oversight, service delivery, national security, inclusive representation, legislative reforms and youth engagement are translated into practical policies, legislative actions and regular public reporting to enable citizens monitor progress and hold institutions accountable.
The organisation emphasised that the security of lives and the nation’s territorial integrity must remain the country’s foremost priority, warning that democratic governance, economic growth and sustainable development cannot thrive in the absence of peace and security.
It also urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing the proposed legislation as a critical step towards achieving greater inclusiveness and ensuring that the nation’s democratic institutions reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
On youth participation, IRIAD called for greater inclusion of young people in legislative processes, arguing that their ideas, creativity and leadership should be fully integrated into governance to strengthen democracy and promote national development.
The organisation further appealed to security agencies to improve responsiveness, accountability, inter-agency collaboration and the transparent use of public resources in protecting lives and property across the country.
It also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as the private sector, to work collaboratively in implementing reforms that promote innovation, transparency, accountability and efficient service delivery.
IRIAD called on civil society organisations to sustain efforts at monitoring legislative performance, promoting civic participation and holding public institutions accountable, while encouraging citizens to remain actively engaged in democratic processes by participating in public consultations, monitoring legislative commitments and demanding accountability from elected leaders.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, integrity and inclusive democratic governance, pledging to continue working with government institutions, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to ensure that public commitments are translated into meaningful reforms that advance national development.
