Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has emphasized the importance of accurate, fair, and balanced reporting by journalists covering the National Assembly.

Speaking during the inauguration of the newly renovated media center and the new Executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Tajudeen praised the media’s role in informing the public about parliamentary activities.

He highlighted the media’s crucial role as the fourth estate in democracy, facilitating public engagement and upholding democratic values. Tajudeen reaffirmed the House’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for journalists to hold lawmakers accountable to the Nigerian people.

The Speaker underscored the importance of cooperation between the media and the legislature, essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance. He emphasized that a well-resourced press center within parliament is vital for enabling journalists to perform their duties effectively, ensuring that the public remains well-informed and engaged in the democratic process.

Tajudeen acknowledged the invaluable efforts of journalists in keeping the public informed and emphasized the need for well-researched, balanced, and accurate reportage of parliamentary proceedings. This commitment to journalistic integrity, he noted, enhances public trust and ensures citizens receive reliable information.

Furthermore, Tajudeen assured continuous capacity building for the press corps covering the National Assembly, promising support for their professional development through training programs and resources aimed at enhancing their reporting skills on parliamentary activities.

In response to requests from the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Speaker agreed to consider instituting an insurance policy for journalists covering House activities and emphasized the importance of committee leaders involving members of the press corps in oversight assignments rather than relying solely on consultants.

In closing, Comrade Grace Ike, the outgoing chairman of the House Press Corps, praised the House leadership for the modern media center and advocated for its full digitalization to further enhance media operations.

The inauguration marks a significant step towards fostering a collaborative and transparent relationship between the National Assembly and the media, ensuring robust coverage of legislative activities in Nigeria.