Nigeria's National Assembly Kicks Off "Open NASS Week 2025" Amidst 25th Democracy Anniversary
The 2025 edition of "Open NASS Week" officially commenced on July 7 at the House of Representatives in Abuja. This initiative, organized by the House of Representatives in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Transparency Forum (NALTF), is designed to enhance transparency, inclusion, and accountability within Nigeria's legislative arm.
This year's "Open NASS Week," now in its second year, coincides with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria's return to democratic governance and legislative rule. The opening ceremony included lawmakers, civil society leaders, development partners, and members of the public.
Key Objectives and Activities:
Transparency and Citizen Engagement: The event is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering an open parliament and promoting citizen participation in the legislative process. It seeks to institutionalize public participation and expand civic access to parliamentary work.
Inclusion and Amplification of Underrepresented Voices: In line with the House's legislative agenda on Inclusion and Open Parliament, the week emphasizes the 10th Assembly's commitment to creating a more transparent, participatory, and inclusive legislative institution. This includes recognizing the voices of women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
National Summit on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Security: A significant component of this year's Open NASS Week is a National Summit on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Security, organized by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security. This initiative aims to establish a robust legislative framework for Nigeria's response to malnutrition and food insecurity. It involves federal and state legislators, development agencies, civil society actors, and executive institutions, with the goal of generating actionable solutions to these critical human development challenges.
Thematic Discussions: Subsequent sessions during the week have included discussions on various thematic areas, such as:
Women's representation in the legislature (including dialogue on the Special Seats Bill, a proposal aimed at increasing women's representation in federal and state legislatures).
Synergy in nutrition and food security.
The constitutional role of traditional rulers.
The economy and citizen participation.
Youth participation in politics.
Statements from Stakeholders:
During the opening ceremony, various stakeholders underscored the collaborative nature of "Open NASS Week" and reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to inclusive governance. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the event as an unprecedented development in the National Assembly's history regarding accessibility and openness. Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir welcomed the initiative as a timely platform for citizen engagement and highlighted the importance of advancing gender-inclusive legislation. The Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, expressed the European Union's support for the initiative and acknowledged the National Assembly's role in democratic consolidation.
Stakeholders generally agreed on the importance of making such initiatives a permanent feature of Nigeria's democratic landscape.
