The Senate Press Corps (SPC) in Nigeria is set to hold its 2026 capacity-building workshop with a focus on strengthening legislative oversight and media collaboration. The workshop, scheduled for September 28, 2026, aims to explore ways to safeguard the country's national budget from unlawful insertions and other practices that could undermine budgetary integrity. The theme of the workshop, "Leveraging Legislative Oversight and Media Collaboration to Safeguard the National Budget from Unlawful Insertions," highlights the critical role of effective legislative oversight and responsible journalism in ensuring that the national budget reflects approved priorities and serves the broader interests of Nigerians.
The workshop will feature presentations from experts in relevant fields, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. Other presenters include Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani; Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde; and Publisher of Eagle Times Newspaper, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere. These presentations are expected to provide participants with expert perspectives on the subject matter. The event will also bring together key stakeholders from the National Assembly and the National Assembly bureaucracy.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other prominent lawmakers, including Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, have been invited to attend the workshop. The participation of lawmakers, budget experts, civil society advocates, media professionals, and technology instructors is expected to provide a platform for robust discussions on budget transparency, legislative scrutiny, and the role of the media in promoting accountability.
An intensive training session on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will also be a part of the workshop, facilitated by London-based instructors from Mass Media TX Limited. This session aims to expose participants to emerging technologies and their practical applications in contemporary media and professional practice. According to the Chairman of the Press Corps, Mr. Taye Odewale, the AI session is designed to enhance participants' skills in using technology to improve their work.
The workshop will examine practical approaches to strengthening the budget process, improving oversight mechanisms, and enhancing collaboration between legislative institutions and the media in the public interest. The Chairman of the Press Corps expressed optimism that the capacity-building initiative would contribute to improved understanding of budgetary processes and promote stronger professional engagement around issues of transparency, accountability, and responsible public expenditure.
Key stakeholders, including Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, will also attend the workshop. The event is expected to provide a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions and share ideas on how to promote budget transparency and accountability.
The 2026 Capacity-Building Workshop will take place at Hearing Room 231 on Monday, September 28, 2026. With the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, the workshop is expected to have a positive impact on promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible public expenditure in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Senate Press Corps' 2026 capacity-building workshop will focus on strengthening legislative oversight and media collaboration to safeguard Nigeria's national budget.
- The workshop will feature presentations from experts in relevant fields, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Executive Director of CISLAC.
- The event aims to promote budget transparency, legislative scrutiny, and the role of the media in promoting accountability.
