The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, says the media remains a priority for the House of Representatives.
He made the remark during the Capacity Building Training for Members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, in Kaduna state, northwest Nigeria.
He said that the workshop reflects the House’s recognition of the indispensable role of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of the legislature.
He noted that media contributions are central to fostering transparency, accountability, and public trust in democratic institutions.
“I commend your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to bridging the gap between lawmakers and the citizens we serve. Through your diligent reporting, millions of Nigerians gain insights into our legislative processes, decisions, and their impact on daily lives. This partnership between the legislature and the media is essential for achieving our core priorities: fostering robust citizen engagement. Your work informs and empowers citizens to actively participate in governance and hold leaders accountable.
“The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has consistently highlighted the pivotal role of the media in strengthening parliamentary democracy by promoting transparency and accountability. This underscores the importance of your role as a bridge between the legislature and the public,” Mr. Abbas said.
He noted that the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda is a comprehensive and ambitious blueprint designed to address the critical challenges facing Nigeria.
“During this workshop, you will explore the eight priority areas of our Legislative Agenda, which are deeply intertwined with the National Development Agenda. These include Strengthening Good Governance, Improving National Security, Law Reform, Economic Growth and Development, Inclusion and Open Parliament, Influencing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, and Environmental Sustainability.
“By gaining deeper insights into these initiatives, you will be better equipped to report accurately and meaningfully engage your audiences,” he said.
The Speaker commended the Press Corps for assisting in propagating the activities of the House and cautioned against misreporting, particularly on legislative processes.
“Esteemed members of the press, while your contributions are invaluable, I must address a troubling trend of misreporting that occasionally misrepresents the efforts of the House. It is important to emphasize that a bill is merely a proposal until it undergoes the comprehensive legislative process, which includes public hearings. Mischaracterising bills as finalised laws mislead the public and erode trust in our work. I therefore urge you to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and responsibility in your reporting,” he said.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Mr. Gboyega Onadiran, said that the training provides the corps with a unique platform to engage with the legislative arm of government and gain deeper insights into the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives.
“As journalists, we recognize the critical role we play in promoting good governance. However, we also acknowledge the challenges we face, such as limited access to information, harassment, and occasional intimidation. It is reassuring to note that the 10th House, under the able leadership of Mr. Speaker, has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, as evidenced by the establishment of committees to oversee the activities of government ministries, departments, and agencies,” Mr. Onadiran said.
The theme of the retreat was ‘Understanding the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House: The Media Perspective.’
The House of Representatives Press Corps in recognition of the Speaker’s outstanding qualities and exceptional contributions to parliamentary excellence presented him with the “Icon of Parliamentary Leadership Award.”
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