House of Representatives has said parliaments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have indicated readiness to send delegations to Nigeria to understudy the groundbreaking legislative openness model established by the 10th House.
House Deputy Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, said this was based on the repositioning of how the Green Chamber conducts its business under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the second edition of the National Assembly Open Week, Agbese hailed Speaker Abbas for the initiative, which he described as a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and “a revolutionary blueprint for global legislative engagement.”
The lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, stated that the event has not only positioned Nigeria as a continental leader in legislative transparency but is now earning international recognition from some of the world’s most established democracies.
“It is so beautiful that my friends from America, the UK, and other parts of the world have informed me that the US Congress, the British House of Commons, and other internationally respected parliaments are now sending their representatives to Nigeria to study how the House of Representatives is doing it,” Agbese said.
He described the Open Week as “a masterstroke of democratic innovation,” crediting Speaker Abbas for conceptualising and institutionalising what he called “a gold standard in legislative-citizen engagement”, in line with the “People’s House” vision of the 10th Assembly.
Agbese commended the Speaker for his unmatched vision and exemplary leadership in championing the National Assembly Open Week — an initiative he described as the most progressive innovation in the history of Nigeria’s legislature.
The Benue lawmaker said the second edition of the Open Week has placed Nigeria’s House of Representatives under Speaker Abbas firmly on the global map as a beacon of transparency, legislative excellence, and citizens’ inclusion.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has not only raised the bar — he has redefined what legislative leadership should look like in the 21st century.
“This Open Week initiative is a stroke of political genius. It is bold, people-centred, and historically significant. Never before has any Nigerian Speaker demonstrated such unwavering commitment to openness, accessibility, transparency and the democratic spirit as Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,”he said.
According to Agbese, Speaker Abbas has earned his place in history as “the architect of a new parliamentary culture — one that prioritises people over power, dialogue over distance, and transparency over tradition.”
He further revealed that leading parliaments worldwide, including the United States Congress, British House of Commons, and members of the European Parliament, are already making plans to study the model adopted by Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
“That the world is now turning to Nigeria to learn is a testament to Speaker Abbas’ visionary leadership. He has placed our legislature in the league of the most open and progressive in the world,” Agbese stated.
He added that Nigerians’ overwhelming participation—from civil society, academia, the diplomatic corps, the media, and everyday citizens — is a direct reflection of the Speaker’s ability to connect the institution of parliament with the nation’s heartbeat.
“This is not just a programme. It is a movement — a national renaissance of trust in democratic institutions. Speaker Abbas has inspired a new generation of Nigerians to believe again in the legislature.
“Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has given us a model — not just for legislative transparency, but for responsive leadership. He is a rare gift to this nation and a torchbearer for a new democratic ethos,” he added
According to Agbese, the initiative has shattered long-standing barriers between lawmakers and the public, inspiring renewed trust in legislative institutions and affirming the 10th House’s leadership as truly people-centric.
“This is the first time in the history of any parliament in the world that such a deeply participatory initiative is being institutionalised. The 10th House under Speaker Abbas has moved from promises to practice. He deserves every accolade. His leadership is bold, visionary, and transformative,” Agbese said.
He further noted that the avalanche of commendations pouring in from within and outside Nigeria is a testament to the House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform-driven governance under the Speaker Abbas-led leadership.
“I’ve received calls from colleagues across the political divide, as well as from members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, and constituents across Nigeria. The verdict is unanimous — this is the House of the people, and the people are being heard,” he said.
Agbese reiterated that the Open Week initiative is a practical expression of the 10th House’s “Contract with Nigerians,” which prioritises openness, inclusion, and institutional integrity.
He said the House leadership under Speaker Abbas has made the Open Week an annual legislative tradition, with prospects that other arms and tiers of government may adopt similar frameworks to bridge the gap between governance and the governed.
“This is not mere symbolism. It is a substance. The leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen is demystifying legislative work, opening up the system, and reinforcing trust. Nigeria’s Parliament has become a reference point globally — that is the legacy Speaker Abbas is building,” he added.
The 2025 edition, themed “Deepening Citizens’ Trust and Participation: Celebrating Our Journey as the People’s House,” drew wide participation from lawmakers, students, civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and the general public.
In his keynote at the opening ceremony, Speaker Abbas had expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen public confidence in the legislature, promote civic education, and foster mutual respect between citizens and their representatives.
