By Chimezie Godfrey
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has urged the National Assembly to translate the resolutions reached during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week into concrete legislative actions, saying Nigerians now expect accountability and measurable results rather than promises.
The organisation gave the charge while assessing the outcome of the three-day event held from July 14 to 16 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
In a statement signed by its Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, the organisation commended the National Assembly for convening the Open Week, describing it as a platform that brought together lawmakers, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, development partners, women, youths, persons with disabilities, traditional rulers, the media and citizens to deepen transparency and public participation in governance.
According to IRIAD, the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured by the implementation of the resolutions reached during the engagement.
”The true measure of an open parliament is not the number of conversations it convenes but its willingness to implement decisions from these engagements with transparency, responsibility, accountability and integrity,” the statement said.
The organisation stressed that the discussions on legislative oversight, service delivery, national security, inclusive representation, legislative reforms and youth engagement should be transformed into policies, legislative actions and measurable reforms backed by regular public reporting.
It maintained that the security of lives and property must remain a top priority, noting that democratic governance, economic growth and sustainable development cannot thrive without peace and security.
IRIAD also called for the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing the proposed legislation as a critical step toward achieving greater inclusion and ensuring that the legislature reflects the diversity of the Nigerian population.
The group further urged lawmakers to institutionalise youth participation in legislative processes, saying young people should be recognised as equal partners in nation-building whose ideas and leadership are essential to Nigeria’s democratic future.
The organisation also appealed to security agencies to improve operational responsiveness, strengthen accountability, enhance inter-agency collaboration and ensure prudent management of public resources.
It urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as the private sector to work together in implementing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, innovation and efficient service delivery.
IRIAD further encouraged civil society organisations to sustain advocacy for transparency, monitor legislative performance and continue holding public institutions accountable.
It also called on citizens to remain actively involved in democratic processes through participation in public consultations, monitoring legislative commitments and demanding accountability from elected leaders.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, integrity and inclusive democratic governance, the organisation pledged to continue working with government institutions, civil society groups, the media and citizens to ensure that public commitments result in meaningful reforms and sustainable national development.
It added that building public trust through accountability and integrity remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and securing a more inclusive future.