In this brief, exclusive interview with our Senate Correspondent, Abba-Eku Onyeka, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Clerk of the House of Representatives and representative of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, highlights the indispensable role of Hansard/Verbatim Reporters in Nigeria’s democratic process. The interview took place at the Annual National Delegates’ Conference of the Association of Hansard/Verbatim Reporters of Nigeria, held at the National Assembly Lottery Trust Fund on Tuesday. Dr. Danzaria shares his insights on the importance of these skilled professionals in capturing the essence of parliamentary business and promoting transparency in governance.
Read the excerpts.
What is the essence of the conference for Hansard reporters?
The conference aims to harmonize the workings of parliamentary reporters. We’ve faced challenges due to the retirement of experienced reporters, and we’ve had to borrow reporters from other institutions. Technology has helped, but language barriers remain a significant challenge.
How do you think technology can improve parliamentary reporting?
Technology has the potential to greatly improve parliamentary reporting. For instance, automatic transcription systems can capture submissions quickly and efficiently. I’ve seen systems in London that can transcribe and print submissions simultaneously. However, language barriers are a major issue.
Can technology replace human reporters in parliamentary proceedings?
Not entirely. While technology can aid in transcription, human reporters are essential for capturing nuances and context. They can distinguish between languages and dialects, which is crucial in a multilingual setting like ours.
What is the future of Hansard Reporting in the National Assembly?
We’re committed to providing Hansard reporters with the tools they need to excel. We’ve recently employed new reporters, and we recognize the importance of their role in capturing parliamentary proceedings, committee meetings, and public hearings. They’re vital to our work, and we’re committed to supporting them.
How do you see the role of AI in parliamentary reporting evolving?
AI has the potential to revolutionizing parliamentary reporting, but it’s not without its limitations. While AI can understand multiple languages, it’s not perfect, and there may be instances where it struggles to capture certain nuances or dialects. Nevertheless, we’re excited to explore ways to leverage AI to improve parliamentary reporting.
What exactly is the role of Hansard reporters in parliamentary democracy?
Hansard reporters play a crucial role in capturing the debates and proceedings of parliament, providing a permanent record of parliamentary business. Their work is essential for transparency, accountability, and informed governance.
How has technology impacted parliamentary reporting?
Technology has both positive and negative impacts. While it can aid in capturing parliamentary proceedings, it also has limitations, such as language barriers and difficulties in capturing nuances. Human reporters are still essential for ensuring accuracy and capturing the essence of parliamentary business.
