Presidency reaffirms commitment to productive relationship with NASS

The presidency has reaffirmed its commitment to a productive relationship with the National Assembly in pursuit of security, economic renewal, social justice and shared prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, said this at the 2026 National Assembly Open week in Abuja yesterday.

He described the theme of the open week: “Three years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform,” as one that spoke directly to the foundations of a credible legislature.

Gbajabiamila expressed conviction that the programme would deepen public trust and strengthen democratic accountability in the country.

According to him, transparency turns constitutional authority into public trust, while inclusion ensures that the voices of the country’s diverse people are not only heard but reflected in national priorities.

The chief of staff explained that reform keeps institutions responsive to changing realities and capable of delivering better outcomes.

“The open week must therefore be more than the ceremonial opening of the gates of parliament, but an invitation to scrutiny, dialogue and partnership.

“Citizens should be able to follow how laws are made and understand how public resources are spent to strengthening democracy,” he said.

Also speaking, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, noted that democracy is stronger when people are able to meet people who represent them.

“Democracy is shaped by sacrifice and trust through the building of stronger democratic institutions,” Montgomery said.

He expressed the preparedness of the United Kingdom to share its beliefs in democratic principles with Nigeria.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr Clement Nwankwo, called on the National Assembly to give priority to constitutional amendment for a strengthened democracy.

Nwankwo, who said that national assembly cannot be separated with the success of the democracy, urged the legislature to continue to promote accountable and transparent legislative agenda.

He expressed the willingness of the centre to continue to partner with the national assembly and the media in protecting and upholding the tenets of democracy.

Also, the Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Mr Henry Nwawuba, described the open week as the celebration of democratic openness and institutional progress.

Nwawuba said that the occasion would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to evaluate the progress made by the 10th National Assembly.

He appreciated the 10th Assembly’s legislative milestones, saying it had strengthened the relationship between the lawmakers and the people they are representing.

In his own remarks, former Senator Shehu Sani, extolled the roles of Nigeria in fostering continental democracy and global stability.

Sani, who expressed his love for democracy, said that the national assembly had remained a beacon of people’s hope and representation.