NASS Commissions Ultra-Modern Newsroom for Real-Time Reporting

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The National Assembly, NASS on Tuesday commissioned a digitalised ultra-modern newsroom to boost real-time coverage of legislative activities and strengthen transparency in the nation’s lawmaking process.

The facility, with a 22-rapporteur capacity, is designed to enable real-time monitoring, documentation and dissemination of proceedings from both chambers of the Assembly.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, described the project as a strategic investment rather than a mere infrastructure upgrade.

He said, “This newsroom is a strategic investment designed to strengthen information management, improve documentation of legislative activities and enhance public engagement.”

Ogunlana noted that the initiative aligns with the Assembly’s drive for institutional growth and improved service delivery, stressing that effective communication is critical to democratic accountability.

“In an era where communication defines credibility, this facility positions the National Assembly to project its work with professionalism and transparency,” he added.

The Clerk also pointed to other infrastructural upgrades within the complex, including the chapel, mosque, library, hospital and printing press, saying they reflect efforts to reposition the legislature as a symbol of democratic governance and institutional strength.

He urged staff to ensure proper maintenance of facilities within the complex. “If we preserve our assets, we preserve our progress,” he said.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Research and Information Directorate, Barde Umoru, said the newsroom would function as a strategic communication hub aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and public trust.

According to him, the facility will allow for real-time monitoring of plenary sessions and committee engagements, tracking debates, motions, resolutions and oversight functions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“A modern parliament must not only work; it must be seen to work. This newsroom will ensure real-time monitoring of proceedings and strategic communication,” Umoru said.

He added that the platform would also help in tackling misinformation and ensuring that accurate reports of legislative activities are promptly made available to the public.