The Nigerian Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection.
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The Minister condemned all forms of intimidation and attacks against journalists, stressing that such actions weaken democratic institutions.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public.
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility.
“The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he added.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation.
“The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to the protection of journalists and the promotion of press freedom. He noted that measures are continuously being improved to ensure their safety.
The Inspector General of Police, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, said this year’s theme, “Shaping the Future at Peace, Promoting Press Freedom,” aligns closely with the constitutional mandate of the Police.
