In a significant step towards strengthening democratic engagement and fostering transparency, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund hosted the leadership of the House of Representatives and citizens from across Nigeria in a groundbreaking Citizens’ Roundtable. Held as part of the Mid-Term Anniversary of the 10th Assembly, this event was a timely opportunity for the people to engage directly with those elected to represent them.
For too long, the distance between citizens and their lawmakers has been a familiar challenge in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The Citizens’ Roundtable sought to address this by creating a space where voices from all six geo-political zones could be heard, and where elected leaders could listen without barriers.
A Mission to Deepen Legislative Accountability
The leadership of the House of Representatives reaffirmed the House’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and citizen-driven governance—a commitment that was lauded by the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund in his goodwill message.
The roundtable was further enriched by goodwill messages from an esteemed lineup of leaders and stakeholders – Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Federal Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Federal Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Patricia Etteh, Nigeria’s first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bello Masari, former Speaker of the House from 2003 to 2007, Edosa Oviawe, Global Rights Program Manager.
Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue
Citizens representing diverse regions, professions, and advocacy platforms took the floor, posing candid, thought-provoking questions to their legislators.
The questions were wide-ranging and urgent—national security, youth unemployment, economic instability, and access to basic services dominated the discussion. Citizens raised concerns about how the government plans to create sustainable jobs, what steps are being taken to secure lives and property, and how lawmakers can ensure that legislative decisions directly reflect the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The leadership of the House of Representatives, alongside other honourable members on the dais, responded openly to each query, providing insights into legislative efforts, ongoing bills, and collaborative initiatives with the executive arm of government. The back-and-forth was robust, yet respectful, demonstrating that when platforms like this exist, citizens do not hesitate to engage meaningfully.
One of the core mandates of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund has always been to bridge the gap between the people and parliament by creating spaces for open, unrestricted dialogue that reflects the diverse political, social, and economic realities of Nigeria. The Citizens’ Roundtable is a clear reflection of that mandate and a confirmation of the 10th Assembly’s commitment to making governance more participatory, transparent, and accountable.
It is in these moments of honest dialogue that trust is built, policies are shaped by real experiences, and the democratic process becomes more responsive to the needs of the people.
