Reps hold national security roundtable, youth town hall on 2027 elections

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday unveiled plans to hold a National Security Roundtable and a Youth Town Hall on the 2027 elections as part of activities scheduled to commemorate the third anniversary of the 10th Assembly.

According to a press statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Tajudeen announced on his social media handles over the weekend that the third National Assembly Open Week will hold from July 14 to 16, 2026.

He explained that the theme for this year’s Open Week, “Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion, and Reform”, “reflects not just our journey but our commitment to building a legislature that is accessible, accountable and responsive to every Nigerian.”

The Speaker’s social media posts read in part: “A parliament that listens earns the trust of the people. A parliament that opens its doors strengthens democracy.

“That conviction inspired the birth of the National Assembly Open Week, and I am delighted that we are set for the third edition of this unique initiative from July 14 to 16, 2026.

“The National Assembly belongs to the people. Open Week provides an opportunity for Nigerians to engage with their parliament, evaluate our performance over the past year, understand the work we do, and contribute ideas that will strengthen our democratic institutions.”

He added that the 2026 edition of the Open Week “promises even more robust, people-centred engagements. We will convene a Legislative Business Breakfast to deepen collaboration between the legislature and the private sector on policies that drive economic growth, investment and job creation.

“We will also host a National Security Roundtable, bringing together critical stakeholders to exchange ideas and chart practical legislative pathways for addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.

“Equally significant is the national conversation on reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities—a transformative reform that seeks to make our democracy more inclusive, representative and equitable.

“I also eagerly look forward to engaging with young Nigerians at the Youth Town Hall on the 2027 elections, where we will discuss their vital role in strengthening democratic participation and shaping the Nigeria of tomorrow.

“Democracy flourishes where there is openness. Institutions grow stronger when they are subjected to public scrutiny. And nations make lasting progress when every citizen has a voice.

“I warmly invite all Nigerians to be part of this year’s National Assembly Open Week. Together, let us continue to deepen transparency, promote inclusion and advance the reforms that will strengthen our democracy for generations to come,” the Speaker stated.

The 2026 Open Week will also provide the National Assembly with an opportunity to showcase its three-year scorecard.

The schedule for the Open Week indicates that on Tuesday, July 14, the opening ceremony and unveiling of the three-year scorecard will take place in the Chamber of the House of Representatives in the morning, while a session on oversight and delivery briefing will be held in the afternoon at the conference hall of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF).

On the second day of the event, Wednesday, July 15, the morning session will feature the National Security Roundtable at the NALTF. It will include discussions on state policing and broader national security reforms, alongside the role of traditional rulers in early warning systems and community policing. The afternoon session will focus on reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities.

The third day of the Open Week, Thursday, July 16, will feature the Legislative Business Breakfast Meeting in the morning at the NALTF, while the afternoon session will focus on the Youth Town Hall, to be held in the former House temporary chamber.

Recall that the 10th National Assembly held its maiden Open Week in June 2024, while the second edition took place in July 2025.