Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (Cemeso), has called on lawmakers to prioritize legislative reforms in the media and information sector, emphasizing the need to address pressing national and global issues affecting the media landscape.
Dr. Akingbulu made this call in Abuja during a courtesy visit and follow-up meeting to the Chairman, House Committee on Information National Orientation in the House of representatives on issues relating to media law reform and the amendment of the NBC Act.
This visit marked a significant intervention by Cemeso under Phase II of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) initiative.
Cemeso Executive Director stressed the importance of reforms that deepen democracy, enhance media freedom and promote pluralism of expression.
Dr. Akingbulu highlighted the fundamental role of citizen participation in the legislative process, describing it as crucial for a functioning democracy and essential for creating acceptable laws.
He emphasized the importance of involving stakeholders during the drafting process and raised concerns about outdated laws within the information sector and urged the committee to prioritize research-based legislative decisions.
In response, Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Steve Olufemi Fatoba, expressed his commitment to working on necessary legislative reforms, citing ongoing efforts to re active the review of the Press Council Bill.
He acknowledged the importance of stakeholder engagement and the challenges related to resource limitations in finalizing legislative processes.
Hon Fatoba assured stakeholders that he would work along with other stakeholders at ensuring that relevant National Assembly body issue early notices for public hearings, continue to maintaining an open-door policy for stakeholder input and work closely with civil society organizations to address legislative challenges and ensure lawmakers meet citizens’ expectations.
