NUJ FCT Chair Urges Stronger Media Role In Public Debt Oversight
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for stronger collaboration between the media, civil society organisations, and parliament to improve oversight of Nigeria’s rising public debt.
Speaking at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) in Abuja, Ike said the media must remain the “mirror of society” and a vital watchdog in holding public officials accountable.
She stressed that without journalists amplifying parliamentary work, committees such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) cannot achieve their full impact.
“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 asked.
Ike urged for specialised training and retraining of journalists on audit processes, debt management, and legislative oversight.
She also called for more investigative reporting, insisting that journalists must be equipped with funding, skills, and access to audit data to expose corruption and mismanagement.
She further proposed joint sensitisation campaigns with civil society groups to educate citizens on the implications of public debt and their right to demand accountability.
While commending PAC Chairman, Hon. Bamidele Salam, for engaging the media, she pressed for deeper synergy before the end of the 10th Assembly, including comprehensive training for parliamentary correspondents.
“The media stands ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure citizens are empowered, public resources are protected, and sustainable development is achieved,” she concluded.
