Media scrutiny key to public debt accountability, says Grace Ike

Grace Ike, chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the federal capital territory (FCT), has advocated stronger collaboration between the media, civil society organisations, and parliament to improve public debt oversight and promote accountability in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the annual conference and general assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), Ike highlighted the role of journalism as a reflection of society and a safeguard for ensuring leaders answer to the people.

She said parliamentary bodies like the public accounts committee (PAC) cannot deliver meaningful results without the active participation of journalists.

“The media acts as an intermediary between parliament, government institutions and the public,” she said.

“Public awareness is necessary, and how can we achieve this if not through information sharing and capacity building?”

Ike underlined the importance of continuous capacity building for reporters, particularly in understanding audit procedures, debt management, and the technicalities of legislative scrutiny.

She recommended regular knowledge-sharing platforms, including workshops, dialogues, and joint sessions with Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and civil society organisations, to raise the standard of media coverage.

While applauding Bamidele Salam, house committee chair on PAC, for maintaining close ties with the press, she said further progress is still required.

She proposed that a wide-ranging training programme be arranged for correspondents covering the legislature before the conclusion of the 10th assembly to strengthen their expertise on fiscal and oversight matters.

Pointing to the increasing relevance of investigative and undercover reporting, Ike argued that journalists need resources and specialised knowledge to uncover corruption and misuse of public funds.

“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.

“This will ensure we provide accurate information, not misinformation, at a time when fake news dominates social media.

“Most people do not even know they have the right to demand accountability. It is the media’s duty to remind citizens of this right and to hold those in power to their promises.”

Ike pressed for reforms in law and policy to give parliamentary committees greater authority in scrutinising the nation’s borrowing.

She said balanced reporting, showcasing progress and setbacks, can spark public interest and mobilise demand for change.

Ike added that safeguarding transparency in debt matters requires joint effort from legislators, civic groups, and the media.