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From Idu Jude, Abuja
As the National Assembly ‘Open Week’ 2026 comes to a close, The Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has urged leadership to ensure proper implementation of all the resolutions adopted during the three-day program.
The group, in a press statement signed by its Director, Princess Hamman-Obels, on Friday, Admonishes that the true measure of an open parliament is not the number of conversations it convenes but its willingness to implement decisions from these meetings with transparency, responsibility, accountability, and integrity.
“The work ahead is clear: Nigeria must become a more inclusive, secure, accountable, and innovative nation. Achieving this requires sustained collaboration among the legislature, MDAs, citizens, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders, guided by openness, ethical leadership, and responsible stewardship of public trust.
IRIAD highlighted that the dialogues held over the three days on legislative oversight and service delivery, national security, inclusive representation, legislative reforms, and youth engagement must not end as conference activities and themes.
It added that such should be translated into concrete policies, legislative actions, and measurable reforms, supported by regular public reporting that enables citizens to track progress and hold institutions accountable.
It further advised that the security of citizens and territorial integrity of the nation must remain the foremost priority.
“Without peace and safety, democratic governance, economic growth, and sustainable development cannot flourish. Equally urgent is the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women, which represents a critical step towards a more representative legislature and a democracy where equity truly reflects the diversity and strength of the Nigerian people
Young people must be recognised as equal partners in nation-building. “Their voices, creativity, and leadership should be fully integrated into legislative processes, ensuring equity and a shared democratic future.
“As we reflect on the 2026 NASS Open Week, progress must be measured not by promises or public declarations, but by actions, transparent implementation, accountable leadership, and decisions made in the interest of all Nigerians.”
The statement further calls on the NASS leadership to translate the resolutions and commitments of the Open Week into measurable actions by establishing clear implementation timelines, providing regular public progress reports, ensuring the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women, and institutionalizing meaningful youth participation in legislative processes to strengthen democracy, inclusion, and innovation.
“The National Assembly is to enhance responsiveness, strengthen accountability, ensure transparent and prudent use of public resources, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and adopt proactive measures to protect lives, property, peace, and stability.
“Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and the private sector should work collaboratively to implement reforms with transparency, accountability, and integrity, foster innovation and inclusion, and deliver efficient, high-quality services that improve the lives of all Nigerians.
Civil Society Organisations: continue promoting transparency, monitoring legislative performance, fostering civic participation, and holding public institutions accountable to the Nigerian people.
“For the Citizens to remain actively engaged in democratic processes by participating in public consultations, monitoring legislative commitments, demanding accountability, and supporting leaders who demonstrate transparency, responsibility, responsiveness, accountability, and integrity in governance.
Meanwhile, the IRIAD affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, integrity, and inclusive democratic governance. Guided by values and commitment to Knowledge, Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact. It said it’s organization will continue to work with government institutions, other civil society organisations, media, and citizens to ensure that commitments translate into meaningful reforms and sustained development impact.
