The Secretary General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), Amb. Dapo Oyewole, has commended the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD for his visionary leadership in promoting open legislative governance.

Oyewole’s commendation followed the successful hosting of the National Assembly Open Week themed: “Deepening Citizens’ Trust and Participation: Celebrating Our Journey as the People’s House”.

The event provided a platform for citizens to engage directly with lawmakers, promoting transparency and accountability.

The initiative also gave Nigerians the opportunity to voice their concerns on national issues and also seek solutions to them, thereby fostering a sense of community and public participation.

The Open Week further showcased the  dedication of the parliament towards engaging and working with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the public, to drive meaningful developments.

Oyewole in a statement on Sunday said that the approach by Speaker Abbas and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu prioritized addressing the needs and concerns of citizens, demonstrating their commitment to citizen-centric governance.

He thanked both leaders for redefining the legislature as the “People’s House” and demonstrating an exemplary model of responsive and participatory governance.

The Secretary General noted that the initiative marked a defining moment, not only for Nigeria but also as a standard for other African parliaments to adopt the open governance practices.

Oyewole said when the legislature is accessible, transparent, and accountable, democracy is preserved and strengthened.

He said that the approach aligns with CoSPAL’s values, believing it will inspire other parliaments to foster greater trust and participation across legislative institutions in Africa.

The efforts, Oyewole added, highlighted the importance of citizen engagement and open governance in promoting democracy and accountability in Africa.

“By redefining the legislature as the People’s House, Speaker Abbas has demonstrated an exemplary model of responsive and participatory governance. This initiative marks a defining moment, not only for Nigeria but as a standard that other African parliaments are encouraged to consider in adopting open governance practices that bring citizens closer to the legislative process.

“When the legislature is accessible, transparent, and accountable, democracy is not only preserved but strengthened. CoSPAL recognises this approach by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as one that aligns with our values and his example at the Nigerian House of Representatives will inspire other parliaments and foster greater trust and participation across legislative institutions in Africa”, Oyewole said.