By Michael Agbaji
The National Assembly of Nigeria has commissioned an ultra-modern newsroom as part of ongoing efforts to deepen transparency, enhance institutional efficiency, and modernize legislative communication.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, described the facility as a strategic milestone in the institution’s reform agenda.
He noted that the newsroom represents a renewed commitment to professionalism, credibility, and improved public engagement.
According to the Clerk, the state-of-the-art facility is designed to strengthen information management, improve documentation and archiving of legislative proceedings, and ensure timely and accurate dissemination of parliamentary activities to the public.
“In an era where communication defines credibility, this facility positions the National Assembly to carry out its constitutional responsibilities with greater professionalism and openness,” Ogunlana stated.
He emphasized that under his administration, deliberate efforts have been made to enhance service delivery and improve staff welfare, stressing that the workforce remains the backbone of the institution. Providing modern tools and a conducive working environment, he said, will empower staff to perform optimally and boost institutional output.
Ogunlana further explained that the newsroom forms part of a broader transformation plan aimed at repositioning the National Assembly as a centre of national pride and institutional excellence. He referenced other recently completed and ongoing infrastructural projects within the complex as evidence of this commitment.
Highlighting the importance of maintenance culture, the Clerk recalled a time when the National Assembly Printing Press ranked among the most sophisticated in the country, attracting major government printing assignments.
He lamented its decline due to poor maintenance and urged staff and stakeholders to embrace collective responsibility in preserving public assets.
“Maintenance is not the responsibility of management alone. It is a collective duty. Preserving our facilities means preserving our progress,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Research and Information, Dr. Alli Umoru, described the newsroom as a strategic communication hub that will enhance real-time monitoring of legislative proceedings, combat misinformation, strengthen public trust, and serve as a centre for documentation and archiving.
He also noted that the facility will function as a training centre for Information Officers, promoting professional development and intellectual engagement.
The Directorate, he said, has continued to support institutional growth through key publications such as the National Assembly Guide and the compilation of historic legislative documents, including presidential budget speeches and stakeholder submissions on major reform bills.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior management staff, legislators, the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, the Clerk to the Senate, the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and other invited guests.
The new newsroom is expected to significantly enhance the image of the National Assembly and strengthen its engagement with citizens by ensuring accurate, timely, and professional dissemination of information.
