SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks to tackle deliberate spread of fake news.
Tajudeen stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards in Abuja, with the theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society.”
Tajudeen, who received the council’s Gender Advocacy and Leadership Award at the event, was represented by Dr Patrick Umoh, a member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom.
He said that coordinated fact-checking frameworks was important in light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation.
“I urge the Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks.
“These should not be isolated initiatives, but structured partnerships among 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,’’ he said.
Tajudeen urged the media to spearhead the development of a national code of ethical conduct specifically tailored towrad digital journalism and social media reporting.
The speaker said that such a code should provide guidelines on the responsible use of sources, Artificial Intelligence-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 narrative can destabilise institutions and we must work together to build a media environment anchored on ethics, accuracy, and accountability,’’ he said.
Tajudeen, emphasising the importance of press freedom and its role in advancing democracy, pledged the 10th assembly’s commitment to providing the legal and institutional frameworks that support its growth and independence.
“Journalism is not merely about the dissemination of information, but about the protection of truth, the expansion of civic consciousness, and the advancement of democratic values,’’ he added.
The speaker also reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to laws that promote women inclusion in governance and other gender-based issues in the country.
“It will interest you to know that this Wednesday through Thursday, the House is convening a special roundtable event dedicated to deepening our legislative dialogue on the Reserved Special Seats Bill for Women.
“This engagement brings together lawmakers, advocacy groups, women leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to refine strategies for achieving equitable representation.
“I must emphasise that the house is committed to concluding the legislative process on this bill and delivering results that will secure a more inclusive future for our country.
“I invite the media to support this bill through advocacy and sensitisation of our people on the need to have women representation in the legislature,’’ he said.
He said the house looked forward to receiving an actionable communique that would guide the ongoing legislative interventions in the areas of press freedom and the advocacy for special seats for women.
Tajudeen dedicated his award to committed members of the 10th House of Representatives, working for a just and equitable Nigeria. (NAN
