By Oluwakemi Kindness
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for stronger collaboration between the Executive and the National Assembly to deliver improved security, economic growth and better governance for Nigerians.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Gbajabiamila said although both arms of government operate independently under the Constitution, they share a common responsibility to improve the lives of citizens.
He stressed that cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature should never be mistaken for a compromise of legislative independence or institutional weakness.
“While the Executive and the Legislature are separate arms of government, they share one ultimate mandate, which is to improve the lives of the Nigerian people. Constructive cooperation does not diminish legislative independence, nor does robust debate amount to institutional conflict,” he said.
Gbajabiamila described the National Assembly Open Week as an important platform for promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in governance.
According to him, Nigerians should be able to follow how laws are made, understand the budget process and see how legislative oversight protects the national interest.
He also urged lawmakers to deepen engagement with young people, women, persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector to ensure that the legislative process reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
Assessing the performance of the 10th National Assembly, the Chief of Staff said Parliament should be measured not by the number of bills passed or motions debated, but by the tangible impact of its work on the lives of citizens.
He called on lawmakers to prioritise legislation that addresses real challenges, approve budgets that translate into visible development, strengthen oversight functions and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
Gbajabiamila commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and members of the 10th National Assembly for sustaining reforms and promoting openness through the annual National Assembly Open Week.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining a productive working relationship with the National Assembly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Nigerians expect all arms of government to work together in the nation’s interest.
