“The media acts as an intermediary between parliament, government institutions and the public. Public awareness is necessary, and how can we achieve this if not through information sharing and capacity building?” she stated.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the media, civil society, and parliament to improve oversight of Nigeria’s public debt and ensure accountability.
Speaking at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), organised by the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, Ike described the media as “the mirror of society and a vital watchdog.”
According to her, parliamentary committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) cannot achieve their desired impact without the active involvement of journalists.
“The media acts as an intermediary between parliament, government institutions and the public. Public awareness is necessary, and how can we achieve this if not through information sharing and capacity building?” she stated.
The NUJ FCT Chairperson underscored the need for continuous training of journalists on audit processes, debt management, and legislative oversight. She proposed workshops, joint briefings with Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), and collaborations with civil society organizations to boost the quality of reporting.
While commending the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, for engaging the media, Ike called for a more structured training programme before the end of the 10th Assembly.
“Investigative journalism is not easy. It requires funding, time and skills. We need to train journalists who can confidently carry out undercover reporting on public accounts and debt management,” she said.
Ike emphasized the role of investigative reporting in exposing corruption and mismanagement of public resources. She urged SAIs and parliamentary committees to make audit reports accessible, noting that timely and simplified information would improve transparency.
She also appealed for media–civil society partnerships in sensitizing citizens about public debt and their right to demand accountability from government.
“Most people do not even know they have the right to demand accountability. It is the duty of the media to remind citizens of this right and to hold those in power to their promises,” she added.
The NUJ leader further advocated legislative and policy reforms that would strengthen debt oversight by parliament. She maintained that by highlighting both successes and challenges, the media could spark greater civic engagement and push for reforms.
“One thing is to write reports and pass resolutions. Another is implementation. As gatekeepers of information, the media stands ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure citizens are empowered, public resources are protected, and sustainable development is achieved,” Ike concluded.
She expressed optimism that continued synergy between the PAC and the press would improve transparency and keep Nigerians better informed on the management of public debt.
Sandra Chukwugekwu
