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By racy Moses
The National Assembly has inaugurated a state-of-the-art newsroom aimed at deepening legislative communication, promoting transparency and safeguarding Nigeria’s parliamentary records.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Secretary of the Research and Information Directorate, Pharmacist Ali Umaru, said the new facility would function as a central platform for documenting and preserving the activities of both chambers of the Assembly.
Umaru described the project as a major stride in strengthening the institution, noting that the newsroom goes beyond bricks and mortar. “This is not just the commissioning of a building,” he said.
“It represents the deployment of capacity and the creation of a strategic communication centre structured to advance transparency, accountability and meaningful public engagement within our democracy.”
He stressed that while the legislature plays a pivotal constitutional role in representation, lawmaking and oversight, the impact of these responsibilities depends significantly on effective communication with citizens. “A contemporary parliament must not only perform its duties; it must also be visible in doing so,” Umaru said.
“Clear, factual and responsible communication is essential. Public trust in the legislature grows when citizens are well informed about its actions and contributions.”
According to him, the newsroom will serve four major functions in advancing the Assembly’s communication objectives, with documentation and archiving standing out as a key mandate.
“The newsroom will operate as a centre for systematic archiving of legislative engagements,” he explained. “Proper recording and preservation of plenary debates, committee sessions, investigative hearings and official correspondences will enhance institutional memory, support research and ensure that our legislative heritage is preserved for posterity.”
He added that the facility would support real-time monitoring of proceedings in both chambers, enabling prompt responses where clarification is necessary.
“By actively tracking debates, motions, resolutions and oversight functions across the two chambers, the Directorate will swiftly identify issues that require official statements or clarification,” he noted.
“Prompt press releases and accurate briefings will keep Nigerians informed, with public interest guiding our communication strategy.” Umaru also highlighted the need to counter misinformation, especially in a fast-paced information environment.
“At a time when rumours and distorted narratives can circulate quickly, providing verified and authoritative information is critical,” he said. “Through proactive engagement, we will protect the credibility of the institution, reinforce transparency and build stronger public confidence in the National Assembly.”
He further observed that sustained professional reporting would positively shape public perception of the legislature. “Professional, consistent and accurate reportage will portray the National Assembly as responsive and accountable,” he stated.
“When citizens understand how legislative actions translate into national development, the relationship between Parliament and the people is strengthened.”
In his remarks, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, described the newsroom as a deliberate investment in efficient information management and human capacity development.
“This facility represents a forward-looking investment to enhance documentation, streamline information management and improve engagement with the public,” Ogunlana said.
“In today’s world, credibility is closely tied to communication, and this newsroom equips the National Assembly to showcase its work with greater professionalism and openness.”
He explained that the project aligns with broader efforts to transform the National Assembly complex into a symbol of national pride, pointing out that with facilities such as a chapel, mosque, library, hospital and printing press, the complex is gradually expanding its institutional scope.
Ogunlana also called on staff members to embrace a culture of proper maintenance to safeguard public assets.
“We have seen many public facilities deteriorate because of neglect and misuse,” he said. “We must change that narrative. Protecting and maintaining our infrastructure is a shared responsibility. By preserving what we have built, we sustain our collective progress.”
The inauguration of the newsroom underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening institutional communication, enhancing transparency and preserving Nigeria’s legislative history for future generations.