Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a media-friendly environment and supporting responsible journalism.
This reassurance came during a meeting with a delegation from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at his office in Abuja.
Idris emphasized the importance of a cordial and balanced relationship between the media and the government, describing it as a vital partnership necessary for national development.
The Minister acknowledged the occasional tension between the media and government, noting that such dynamics are not unique to Nigeria. However, he maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to creating an enabling environment for media professionals to operate freely, while also underscoring the importance of professionalism and responsibility in media practice.
He further stressed that the government recognises the media as a key pillar of democracy and governance. According to him, the media plays a crucial role in holding public officeholders accountable, but such responsibilities must be exercised with ethics, balance, and fairness.
Idris also highlighted the administration’s commitment to avoiding media suppression, stating that despite some tense situations in recent years, the government has worked to resolve issues without resorting to intimidation or arrests of journalists. He added that the presidency has consistently commended the media for its contributions to nation-building and remains open to continued dialogue and collaboration.
The Minister underscored the importance of patriotism in media reporting, encouraging editors and journalists to contribute to peace, unity, and national stability in their work.
In response to the Law Reform Report submitted by the Guild, Idris assured that the Ministry would study it thoroughly. He pledged to engage the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, as well as initiate discussions at the highest levels of government, including with the National Assembly, to address outdated laws that affect media freedom.
On the economy, the Minister stated that despite existing challenges, Nigeria is witnessing steady improvements due to ongoing reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. He noted that key indicators are beginning to show positive trends, with international rating agencies recognising the country’s progress.
Earlier, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dr. Sebastian Abu, led the delegation and presented the Guild’s Law Reform Report. The document outlines several outdated laws that hinder modern media practice and calls for a more enabling regulatory environment. The Guild also advocated for the retention of legal provisions that promote ethical journalism and penalise false reporting intended to incite public fear.
The meeting ended with a shared understanding of the need for continued dialogue and reforms that balance press freedom with professional responsibility, ensuring the media remains a force for democratic strengthening in Nigeria.