The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a free and vibrant press in Nigeria, with Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasizing the media’s crucial role in strengthening democratic governance and national development.
Speaking at the public presentation of “Nigeria Media Renaissance – Perspectives on Online Publishing” in Abuja, organized by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Idris outlined the Tinubu administration’s vision for responsible journalism that serves the public interest while maintaining editorial independence.
“The Federal Government is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press that aligns with the enduring core values of journalism — truth, fairness, and accountability,” the Minister declared. “We want to work with the media to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action.”
The Minister used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that as the country marks 26 years of continuous democratic governance, there is need for deeper understanding of democracy’s ultimate purpose beyond electoral processes.
“Democracy, as we must constantly remind ourselves, is not merely the right to vote. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to an end — that end being the upliftment of the living standards of the Nigerian people, the provision of social services, the guarantee of rights and freedoms, and the development of infrastructure that supports economic and human progress,” Idris explained.
He highlighted President Tinubu’s economic reforms as evidence of the administration’s commitment to translating democratic governance into tangible benefits for citizens through the transition from a consumption-based to production-oriented economy.
“This administration is working assiduously to ensure that democratic governance translates into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens,” the Minister stated.
Addressing the digital media landscape, Idris emphasized the critical responsibility of online publishers in shaping public discourse and maintaining democratic accountability. “The media — especially the digital and online media represented here today — has a critical role to play in nurturing our democracy. You are the gatekeepers of information. You shape public discourse,” he said.
However, the Minister issued a stern warning about the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, describing them as serious challenges to national security and democratic stability rather than mere editorial mistakes.
“We have seen how a false report can ignite violence, disrupt markets, or destroy reputations in a matter of minutes,” Idris cautioned, while acknowledging that GOCOP members are not associated with spreading fake news.
In a significant announcement, the Minister revealed that the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute will begin operations in Abuja by November 2025, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in responsible media practices.
“This initiative will position Nigeria as a global leader in the responsible use of media and information in the digital era. To this end, I urge GOCOP to fully embrace the emerging MIL Institute for its academic and experiential values, and also use the outcomes towards enhancing fact-checking mechanisms,” he said.
The Minister praised GOCOP’s publication as a deliberate effort to establish new standards for digital journalism ethics and values. “A renaissance, meaning rebirth, critically suggests innovation, grounded in reflection. It is not just about doing new things — it is about doing things better,” he observed.
The event attracted prominent figures in media and government, including former Information Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Communication Bayo Onanuga, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations President Dr. Ike Neliaku, Voice of Nigeria Director General Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, News Agency of Nigeria Managing Director Ali M. Ali, and McArthur Foundation Africa Director Dr. Kole Shetima.
The government’s renewed commitment to press freedom comes as Nigeria continues to navigate complex challenges requiring transparent communication between leadership and citizens through credible media platforms.
