By Mercy Gadia Adi
The House of Representatives has organised a capacity-building retreat for members of the National Assembly Press Corps and parliamentary media teams, as part of efforts to improve public communication and reporting on digital governance and technology-driven legislation.
The one-day programme, held on Tuesday at the National Assembly Library Complex in Abuja, was organised by the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative Nigeria.
Opening the retreat, Chairman of the committee and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, said the training was aimed at strengthening journalists’ and media aides’ capacity to interpret increasingly complex digital policy issues before the National Assembly.
“Legislative work today is no longer limited to traditional policy areas. It now covers digital governance, data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, online safety and digital rights,” Rotimi said.
He noted that these emerging issues have direct consequences for democracy, accountability, economic growth and the protection of citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
The lawmaker said recent developments, including the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and ongoing debates on technology-focused reforms, have made legislative reporting more technical and demanding.
“With the growing volume of digital-related bills and oversight activities, legislative reporting has become more specialised, making continuous professional development essential,” he said.
Rotimi stressed that journalists covering the National Assembly play a central role in shaping public understanding of parliamentary work and democratic institutions.
“Your work directly shapes public confidence in Parliament and the quality of civic engagement in our country,” he added.
According to him, the retreat reflects the commitment of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs to professionalism, ethical standards and effective public communication in line with the vision of the Tenth Assembly.
“Our vision is to position the Tenth Assembly as the People’s House , trusted, responsive and results-driven,” Rotimi said.
He explained that sessions at the retreat focused on digital rights, the state of digital freedoms in Nigeria, legislative interpretation and practical simulations designed to enhance everyday reporting and communication skills.
Speaking on behalf of parliamentary reporters, Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, described the training as timely, noting that technological advancement has reshaped both journalism and legislative communication.
“In the digital age, information moves faster than legislation. Journalism and parliamentary communication now operate within an ecosystem shaped by data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and online rights,” Onadiran said.
He added that the responsibility of the Press Corps extends beyond reporting proceedings to making the work of the House understandable, credible and relevant to citizens, while commending the House leadership for sustaining regular capacity-building initiatives.