Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the government’s support for press freedom and media independence in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by officials from the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) at his office in Abuja, the minister emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in the country.
“The president is a democrat, and he believes in the principle of freedom of the press,” the minister told the gathering in his office. He added that President Tinubu was a product of press freedom as a democrat, who fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
The IPI delegation, led by its president Musikilu Mojeed who is the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times Nigeria, commended the minister for bringing his experience in media practice to bear as minister.
The delegation called on him to ensure press freedom continues to improve in Nigeria.
“We are very proud that we have one of our own as minister of information.
We know you can do it because you have not only invested in the media, you love independent journalism, you love press freedom.
We are here to also appeal to you to continue to promote press freedom as well as guarantee the safety of journalists.
We hope that your leadership will see to the reduction in attacks on journalists, and abduction of journalists by state and non-state actors.
You may wish to know sir, that we have a black book into which we shall register the names of those who impinge on the freedom of the press,” Mr Mojeed appealed.
The minister assured the visitors that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not enter the Institute’s black book as it would not ‘consciously trample on press freedom’.
He added that efforts towards enthroning press freedom would also include sanitizing the social media space and clearing it of fake news.
“Cleaning the system is not the government’s responsibility alone. It’s our collective responsibility, and all stakeholders must work together to cleanse the system,” the minister admonished.
He called for dialogue at all times, promising to keep an open door and being receptive to all inquiries and clarifications.
About the IPI
Established in 1950, the International Press Institute (IPI) is an association of media professionals representing leading digital, print, and broadcast news outlets in nearly one hundred (100) countries.
Its mission is to defend media freedom and the free flow of news wherever they are threatened.
The International Press Institute (IPI) is a global network of editors, media executives, and leading journalists, who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism.
Together, they promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfill its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation.
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