The National Assembly of Nigeria has commissioned an ultra-modern newsroom as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, enhance institutional efficiency, and modernize legislative communication.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, described the facility as more than a structural development, noting that it represents a renewed commitment to excellence, professionalism, and improved public engagement.
According to him, the newsroom is a strategic investment designed to strengthen information management, improve documentation of legislative proceedings, and position the National Assembly to communicate its activities with greater credibility and transparency.
“In an era where communication defines credibility, this facility positions the National Assembly to carry out its responsibilities with professionalism and openness,” Ogunlana stated.
He explained that under his administration, deliberate steps have been taken to improve service delivery and staff welfare, emphasizing that the workforce remains the backbone of the institution.
The Clerk noted that providing modern tools and a conducive working environment empowers staff to perform optimally and enhances institutional output.
Ogunlana further stated that the new newsroom forms part of a broader plan to reposition the National Assembly as a centre of national pride and institutional excellence. He referenced other recently commissioned and ongoing infrastructural projects within the complex as part of a wider transformation agenda.
Highlighting the importance of a strong maintenance culture, Ogunlana recalled a period when the National Assembly Printing Press was regarded as one of the most sophisticated in the country, attracting major government printing jobs. He lamented its decline due to poor maintenance and called on stakeholders to adopt a culture of preservation and collective responsibility in safeguarding 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 of the 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 archiving and documentation.
Umoru added that the facility will also function as a training centre for Information Officers, promoting professional development and intellectual engagement.
He noted that the Directorate has played a critical role in institutional development through publications such as the National Assembly Guide and the compilation of key legislative documents, including historic presidential budget speeches and stakeholder submissions on major reform bills.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior management staff, legislators, permanent secretaries, heads of departments, the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, the Clerk to the Senate, and the Clerk to the House of Representatives, among other invited guests.
Officials described the event as a significant milestone in the modernization of legislative communication in Nigeria. The new facility is expected to enhance the image of the National Assembly and strengthen its engagement with citizens by ensuring accurate, timely, and professional dissemination of information.
