The Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, has praised the National Assembly for its Open Week initiative, describing it as a bold and strategic move to deepen democratic engagement and foster citizen participation in governance.
Speaking to journalists during the second edition of the three-day event held at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Hon. Abubakar hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in bridging the gap between lawmakers and the public. He emphasized that the event has become a vital platform for Nigerians to directly voice their concerns, engage with their representatives, and seek redress on critical national issues.
“The NASS Open Week complements the mandate of the Public Complaints Commission by enabling citizens to go straight to the source, our lawmakers, to identify problems and get direct responses. It enhances accountability and transparency, which are the cornerstones of good governance,” the Chief Commissioner stated.
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He congratulated the 10th National Assembly on its achievements over the past two years, noting that the event has received positive feedback from citizens across the country. Hon. Abubakar commended the legislative leadership for its unwavering support for the Commission, especially in the areas of increased oversight and improved budgetary allocation, which he said will boost the Commission’s operational efficiency and public service delivery.
This year’s Open Week, themed “Deepening Citizens‘ Trust and Participation: Celebrating Our Journey as the People’s House,” drew prominent figures including the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, former Speakers, and other key stakeholders. The event, which began on Tuesday, served as a rallying point for dialogue, transparency, and renewed trust in Nigeria’s legislative process.
Introduced in June 2024 by the House of Representatives, the National Assembly Open Week is now a cornerstone annual event designed to promote transparency, public scrutiny, and accountability in legislative activities. With the success of its second edition, stakeholders like the PCC are calling for even more robust public participation and institutional collaboration to drive home the goals of responsive governance and civic inclusion.
Hon. Abubakar reiterated his belief that initiatives like the NASS Open Week can reshape the relationship between citizens and government institutions, and called on Nigerians to seize such platforms to drive meaningful change.
