by George Ozalla
The National Assembly Press Chapel held its 2025 Press Week in Abuja Tuesday with a call for deeper collaboration between the legislature and the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. The event, held at the National Assembly complex, drew lawmakers, senior government officials, media executives and representatives of civil society groups.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, commended the Chapel for its role in sustaining public trust through accurate and responsible reporting. He said the legislature relies on credible information flow to connect with citizens and maintain transparency in its work. He urged journalists covering the parliament to continue upholding the ethics of the profession and to maintain fairness and balance, noting that the National Assembly remains open to constructive scrutiny.
The significance of the Press Week was underscored by discussions on the central role of the media in a democratic society. Speakers described the press as the fourth estate of the realm and, in many practical senses, the unelected representatives of the people. They noted that journalists serve as the bridge between citizens and the political class, making it possible for Nigerians to understand legislative decisions, policy directions and national priorities. This role, they added, ensures that elected officials remain answerable to the public, and that citizens are not left in the dark on issues that affect their lives.
A paper presented by communication scholar Dr Austin Uganwa, whose work focused on the dynamics of reporting in democratic institutions, highlighted the increasing complexity of legislative journalism in the digital age. He examined the pressures posed by misinformation, social media sensationalism and shrinking newsroom resources, warning that the credibility of the media remains the foundation upon which public confidence in governance rests. Uganwa urged parliamentary correspondents to deepen their understanding of legislative procedures and embrace new tools that enhance accuracy, context and accountability.
Leaders of the Press Corps said the theme of this year’s Press Week reflects the urgent need for stronger public trust and more nuanced reporting of parliamentary affairs. They emphasised that the Press Week would serve as a platform to address the professional challenges confronting journalists covering the National Assembly and to outline practical strategies for improving the flow of information from the legislature to the public.
Awards were presented to different and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to ethical reporting, public enlightenment and the promotion of legislative transparency. Recipients were drawn from across the National Assembly beat, with organisers saying the honours were intended to encourage excellence and reinforce the values that define credible parliamentary journalism.
Other lawmakers who attended the event praised the Press Corps for its consistency in covering legislative activities despite economic and security challenges. They reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to engaging with journalists in ways that promote openness, accountability and a deeper understanding of governance processes.
