The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, assured Nigerians that the National Assembly is firmly committed to enacting laws that safeguard press freedom in the country.
The Speaker stated these while delivering an address as a guest speaker at the 2025 edition of the Press Week with the theme: ‘Journalism in a Changing World: Media, Press Freedom, Democracy, and Society’, organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, chaired by Comrade Grace Ike.
The Speaker, represented by the chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon. Patrick Umoh, was honoured with the ‘Gender Advocacy and Leadership Award’ by the FCT NUJ FCT.
Stressing the importance of journalism in the advancement of democracy, Speaker Abbas stated that since the media remains an indispensable democratic partner in ensuring electoral transparency and civic participation, the 10th House remains committed to ensuring the freedom of the press through relevant legislation.
Speaker Abbas said, “Over the years, journalists across Nigeria have demonstrated courage and professionalism in reporting elections, holding political actors accountable, and amplifying the voices of the marginalised. In a time when misinformation and political apathy threaten democratic gains, the vigilance of the press remains our strongest safeguard. As lawmakers, we do not take this for granted. We recognise the media as both a watchdog and a partner in our shared mission of building a transparent and accountable democratic order.”
He also called on the media to rededicate itself to the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and fake news in the era of social media and artificial intelligence, using relevant fact-checking tools.
“In light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news, particularly through digital and social media platforms, I urge the Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks. These should not be isolated initiatives but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions.
“As the 10th House of Representatives, we are prepared to support such frameworks through formal collaboration, including integration with our legislative oversight functions and public information systems. This partnership will ensure that citizens have access to verified, timely, and transparent information, especially on policy matters and electoral issues.
“Secondly, I encourage the media to spearhead the development of a national code of ethical conduct specifically tailored for digital journalism and social media reporting. Such a code should provide guidelines on the responsible use of sources, AI-generated content, and anonymous reporting, while also safeguarding press freedom.
“We in the National Assembly are open to backing this initiative with enabling legislation or resolutions that promote digital responsibility without infringing on the constitutional rights of our people. No country grows through fake news and misinformation because false narratives can destabilise institutions, and we must work together to build a media environment anchored on ethics, accuracy, and accountability,” Speaker Abbas said.
In a remark, Senator Tanko Almakura, who eulogised the roles played by Journalists in national development and evolving democracy, said: “As a former Governor, a legislator, and before that, a media man myself, I have seen firsthand how the press functions not only as the mirror of society but as its conscience.
“Journalism is more than reportage—it is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes. At the heart of every democratic enterprise lies the well-being of the people. Democracy is only worthwhile if it safeguards lives, protects rights, and promotes collective prosperity. These aims cannot be realised without a responsible and unfettered press—free to question, free to probe, and free to tell the truth, even when it is inconvenient.
While acknowledging the threat posed by the evolution of Artificial intelligence in society, he averred that “journalism today stands at a crossroads” as a result of the digital revolution, which, though remarkable, “has altered everything.”
“Still, in the face of adversity, the Nigerian press has endured. You chronicled our joys and tribulations at the dawn of the Fourth Republic. You gave voice to the anguish of our youth during the #EndSARS protests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you were a calming presence amid the storm of uncertainty. In each moment of national reckoning, you rose to the task.”
Senator Almakura also proposed a “national agenda for media revitalisation: A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework: Let us institutionalise protection for media professionals, particularly those in conflict zones or on investigative beats. A Media Innovation & Sustainability Fund: Let both government and private sector stakeholders support digital transition, training, and sustainability for struggling yet essential news outlets.
“Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities: Empower citizens—especially our youth—to critically engage with media and resist manipulation. A National Fact-Checking Alliance: Foster non-partisan collaboration between media houses and civic-tech institutions to combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.”
On her part, Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike who applauded the resilience of Nigerian Journalists, said: “In the past year, we have witnessed extraordinary shifts in the global and local media landscape; advancements in technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, the deepening of social media influence, and unfortunately, the persistent challenges of disinformation, censorship, economic pressures, and threats to press freedom.
“In the face of these headwinds, you, our members, have remained resilient, holding the line, telling the stories that matter, and ensuring the public’s right to know. Today, we pause to reflect on that labour, on your sacrifices, and on the many untold efforts behind every headline, broadcast, or byline.
“Yet, reflection must be followed by action. As a union, we must be more than spectators of change; we must be architects of progress.”
