National Assembly: Danzaria Bags Transforming Legislative Administration Award, Reflects on His Rise
The Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, has received a transforming “Legislative Administration Leadership Award” from the National Assembly New Media Forum (a forum of accredited online journalists covering the two chambers of NASS) in recognition of his visionary leadership and exemplary commitment to strengthening the administrative backbone of the National Assembly.
Receiving the award, Danzaria described the honour as a meaningful milestone in his long career in public service.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Danzaria said he was “particularly happy” and “bursting with joy,” noting that although he often prefers to keep a low profile, he was humbled that his work had been noticed.
“I’m so happy and grateful. I do not take this honour for granted,” he said.
He recounted his extensive experience since joining the National Assembly, first as a legislative staff member and later rising through key departments, including Legal Services, Public Affairs, Finance and Supplies, and eventually serving as Director of Public Affairs.
Danzaria narrated how his early days in the institution were marked by confusion over his posting, leading to multiple reassignments before his appointment was regularized. He described this period as both “a legislative journey and a general public service adventure.”
His career saw him work closely with committees during constitutional transition periods, follow senior administrators as they advanced into new roles, and eventually undertake a diploma in journalism—an experience he said deepened his engagement with the media community.
Reflecting on his time overseeing public affairs, he highlighted the challenges of accommodating the growing number of journalists and influencers visiting the National Assembly.
“At the height of activities, between five and ten thousand people often came into the National Assembly for one business or another. This put pressure on our infrastructure, including internet services and workspaces,” he explained.
Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly New Media Forum, the Chairman, Clement Nwabuko, commended Danzaria’s dedication to service and assured him of continued collaboration. “We hope this is just the beginning of our relationship. We will give you every support you need to succeed,” he said.
He also reminded the Clerk of how the group was inaugurated by the Omolori-led management.
Mr. Nwabuko further highlighted long-standing challenges faced by new and online media practitioners seeking workspace access within the National Assembly complex. “It has been a crisis for the mainstream media to accommodate the new media,” he said. “Some even tried to stop them from entering the Press Centre.”
He solicited the Clerk’s support in making the provision of workspace for the group a reality.
In his response, Dr. Danzaria said he had consistently advocated support for media practitioners, adding that “no matter how small the space is, it is always better to have a place you can call your own,” recalling instances where he personally facilitated workspace opportunities for several associations.
The Clerk thanked the New Media Forum for the honour, describing the award as an encouragement to continue strengthening administrative systems and fostering better relations between the legislature and the media.
In his closing remarks, Danzaria expressed hope that the partnership between his office and the media would continue even beyond his years in public service. “This recognition means a lot, and I look forward to continued collaboration for effective legislative reportage.”
