By Mercy Aikoye
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has emphasized the crucial role of the media in promoting public understanding of the legislative arm of government. He made this assertion during a capacity-building workshop organized for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Zaria.
The event, themed “Understanding the Legislative Agenda of the House: The Media Perspective,” aimed to enhance journalists’ insights into the legislative agenda and foster better collaboration between the media and the legislature. The retreat was organized by the Office of the Speaker in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaker Abbas praised parliamentary reporters for their dedication, professionalism, and adherence to the ethics of journalism. He acknowledged their vital role in keeping Nigerians informed about legislative activities and their impact on society.
Abbas emphasized that the partnership between the legislature and the media is crucial for advancing the core priority of fostering robust citizen engagement. He noted that the media plays a transformative role in governance, informing and empowering citizens to actively participate in governance and hold leaders accountable.
The Speaker highlighted the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda, a comprehensive and ambitious blueprint designed to tackle the nation’s most pressing issues. The agenda prioritizes driving economic growth, enhancing national security, improving access to healthcare, reforming the education sector, and promoting good governance.
Abbas reflected on the progress made since the 10th House was inaugurated on June 13, 2023. He highlighted significant achievements, including the passage of 89 bills across critical priority areas.
Notable bills passed include the Electric Power Sector Reform (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2023, and the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023. Other significant legislations include the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of accurate reporting in fostering public trust. He urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and responsibility in their reporting, noting that misrepresenting bills as finalized laws can mislead the public and undermine confidence in the legislature’s efforts.
Professor Ernest Ereke, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Abuja, delivered a presentation on “An Overview of the 19th House Legislative Agenda: What You Need to Know.” He emphasized the importance of House of Representatives correspondents familiarizing themselves with the legislative agenda and its key themes.
Lanre Lasisi, Media Aide to the Chief of Staff to the President, and Dr. Austin Uganwa, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the National Open University of Nigeria, also delivered presentations during the technical session.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, expressed gratitude to the Office of the Speaker and the UNDP for organizing the retreat. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the media and the parliament to enhance understanding and coverage of legislative activities.
Abbas’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in the establishment of committees tasked with ensuring robust oversight of the activities of government ministries, departments, and agencies.
