Nigeria Senate President Akpabio Opens 2026 Assembly Week, Urges Transparency

Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, stressing that Parliament belongs to the people and calling for citizens to engage, challenge and scrutinise lawmakers. He linked openness to democratic legitimacy and highlighted the Assembly’s legislative achievements, including reforms in security, education, tax, and minimum wage.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to a productive relationship with the National Assembly, emphasizing transparency, inclusion and reform as pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He cited recent economic reforms such as fuel‑subsidy removal and foreign‑exchange unification as restoring stability.

Secretary to the Government, Senator George Akume, reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to avoid a return to war and announced the country’s participation in an international peace conference in Italy, underscoring efforts on religious tolerance and national cohesion.

Other events included a youth empowerment address by development expert Kole Shettima at the Northeast Youth Idea Summit, and a pledge of continued partnership between Akpabio and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno for state development. The Senate also warned a contractor over persistent technical failures in the newly renovated Assembly chambers.