The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has urged the House of Representatives to use the 2026 National Assembly Open Week to deepen democratic reforms by passing the Special Seats Bill for Women and strengthening citizens’ participation in governance.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Director, Princess Hamman-Obels, described the three-day event, scheduled for July 14 to 16 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, as a major opportunity to promote transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
According to IRIAD, the programme, themed “Advancing Transparency, Inclusion, and Reform,” is designed to bridge the gap between lawmakers and citizens through legislative scorecards, public dialogues and engagements on governance, security and democratic reforms.
The group said opening the legislature to public scrutiny would strengthen trust in democratic institutions and encourage greater citizen participation in the nation’s democratic process.
IRIAD identified the proposed National Dialogue on Reserved Seats for Women and Persons with Disabilities as one of the highlights of the event, noting that Nigeria continues to rank among countries with low female political representation in Africa.
It therefore called on lawmakers to seize the opportunity to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a landmark reform capable of expanding women’s representation, promoting gender equity and strengthening democratic governance.
The organisation also welcomed the Youth Town Hall scheduled as part of the programme, saying it would help prepare young Nigerians for active and responsible participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It stressed that young people should be equipped with civic knowledge to reject misinformation, political violence and electoral manipulation while embracing peaceful participation in governance.
IRIAD urged the National Assembly to sustain legislative openness, strengthen oversight and advance reforms that would boost public confidence in democratic institutions.
The group also called on civil society organisations to actively participate in the Open Week by providing evidence-based recommendations, promoting civic education and sustaining advocacy for reforms that would enhance accountability and inclusive governance.
It further encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the event by engaging their elected representatives, asking informed questions and demanding accountability.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. Every Nigerian has a role to play in shaping the nation’s future,” the organisation stated.
According to IRIAD, NASS Open Week presents an opportunity to reinforce transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation while strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the people.
The group added that passing the Special Seats Bill during the programme would demonstrate the House of Representatives’ commitment to building a more inclusive and representative democracy.
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