By Mercy Aikoye
The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged the National Assembly to deepen transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Gbajabiamila made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, where he challenged lawmakers to make legislative activities more accessible and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said the annual event should serve as more than a formal gathering, but a platform where citizens can scrutinise the work of lawmakers, understand the legislative process, and participate in conversations about governance.
He emphasised that Nigerians should have clearer insight into how laws are formulated, how public resources are allocated through budgets, and how legislative oversight contributes to national development.
Gbajabiamila also called for broader inclusion in legislative activities, urging lawmakers to strengthen engagement with young people, women, persons with disabilities, civil society groups, professional associations, businesses, and communities across the country.
Reflecting on his tenure as Speaker, he acknowledged the complexities of legislative leadership, noting that lawmakers must constantly balance diverse interests while working towards national unity and the common good.
He praised the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, for what he described as ongoing reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of the legislature.
According to him, cooperation between the executive and legislature remains important in delivering results for citizens, stressing that collaboration does not weaken the independence of either arm of government.
“Constructive cooperation does not diminish legislative independence, nor does robust debate amount to institutional conflict,” he said.
Gbajabiamila urged lawmakers to measure their success by the impact of their actions, including the quality of laws passed, the effectiveness of oversight functions, and the ability of representation to restore citizens’ confidence in government.
He reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with the National Assembly in advancing security, economic growth, social development, and other objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The Chief of Staff expressed optimism that outcomes from the three-day Open Week would influence future legislative priorities and create stronger avenues for sustained public participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
