As the world observes Global Legislative Openness Week (GLOW 2024), the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering legislative openness in Nigeria. Through its OPEN NASS Initiative, IRIAD aims to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in legislative processes, particularly by engaging young people.
“At IRIAD, we believe that an open and transparent legislative process is key to strengthening democracy.
“As we mark GLOW 2024, we remain focused on ensuring that Nigerian citizens, especially the youth, understand their legislative rights and responsibilities,”said Princess Hamman-Obels, Director of IRIAD – The Electoral Hub.
Hamman-Obels noted that the Global Legislative Openness Week was established to highlight the importance of open legislatures in fostering democratic governance.
According to her, around the world, transparent legislative processes enable citizens to hold their representatives accountable, enhance public trust, and strengthen democratic institutions.
She therefore revealed that this year’s GLOW emphasizes the need for legislative transparency in Nigeria, where access to legislative information remains limited.
“Despite the introduction of the National Assembly Open Week in 2018, many Nigerians still struggle to access basic information about legislative activities.
“It’s essential that citizens are fully informed about bills under consideration, voting records, and committee reports if we want to build a transparent and accountable governance system,” Hamman-Obels added.
She recalled that In response to these challenges, IRIAD launched the OPEN NASS Initiative in 2021, with support from the MacArthur Foundation and in partnership with the Centre LSD.
She stated that the initiative seeks to institutionalize a culture of openness by educating young people about their role in the legislative process.
“We are working to create platforms that allow citizens, especially the youth, to easily access legislative information and engage with their representatives through town hall meetings and online forums,” Hamman-Obels explained.
She hinted that for GLOW 2024, IRIAD will build on the success of its OPEN NASS Initiative by organizing a series of activities aimed at deepening citizens’ understanding of the legislative process which includes:”Technical Note Production: IRIAD will release a comprehensive report analyzing trends, challenges, and opportunities for legislative openness in Nigeria’s National and State Assemblies.
“Civic Education via Social Media: The organization will disseminate information on democratic governance and legislative processes through infographics, cartoons, and infobites shared on social media platforms and partner websites.
“Hybrid Civic Education Meetings: IRIAD will host meetings with youth from the North-Central region of Nigeria to engage them directly in discussions on legislative openness.”
Hamman-Obels added,”As part of GLOW 2024, IRIAD is urging all stakeholders to take action.”
She urged the Nigerian government to implement robust transparency policies.
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