Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom.
The government pledged to work with the International Press Institute (IPI) and media stakeholders to review regulatory frameworks in line with global best practices.
Idris made this known at the 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) Annual Congress and General Meeting held in Abuja, with the theme: “Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria: Safeguarding Press Freedom and Democratic Accountability.”
He noted that while the theme appears to suggest a policy of repression by the present administration, it also provides an opportunity for critical dialogue toward building a more accountable and sustainable democracy.
According to him, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is built on the conviction that a free, critical, and independent press is central to a functioning democracy.”
“The press is the mechanism through which a nation holds a conversation with itself.
“We recognise that a free press amplifies an engaged citizenry, which is why we are actively ensuring that journalists can perform their constitutional duties,” he said.
Idris stated that security agencies now operate under stricter protocols to respect journalists’ rights in conflict zones and during civil demonstrations, while regulatory bodies continue to ensure an enabling environment for media organizations to thrive.
The Minister acknowledged that challenges persist, emphasising that balancing national security, combating misinformation, and protecting absolute press freedom remains a complex global issue.
The Minister stressed that the government’s approach, rooted in transparency rather than coercion, demonstrates restraint and commitment to safeguarding social harmony and protecting the press from disinformation.
“Our approach is not to retreat into control but to engage through dialogue and build proactive solutions,” he said.
Idris pledged to remain a strong advocate for press freedom within government.
He said; “I will continue to be an unwavering voice within the Federal Executive Council, championing a free press and an open society. Our shared task is not merely to ‘address’ repression but to advance freedom.”
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed said the time had come to end the culture of impunity against journalists in Nigeria.
Mojeed urged the government to review laws that enable repression and to hold individuals who misuse state power accountable.
He said; “There are too many centres of power routinely deploying state powers against journalists without consequences,” Mojeed said. “When crimes against journalists go unpunished, the message is dangerous, that silencing the press is acceptable.”
Mojeed cited the recent global Press Freedom Index, which showed Nigeria dropping 10 places from 112 to 122, describing the decline as the cumulative effect of widespread and aggressive repression across states, platforms, and newsrooms.
He highlighted cases of journalists being monitored, attacked, arbitrarily arrested, or charged under the Cybercrime Act despite its recent amendments.
Mojeed warned that the pattern of repression was deepening and that state agents, political actors, and security operatives continued to act with impunity despite constitutional protections for free expression.
He called for stronger solidarity within the media community.
“When a journalist is arrested in Kano, colleagues in Akwa Ibom must care.
“Solidarity is our greatest line of defence.”Mojeed said.
He urged the Nigerian Government to compel State Governors, security agencies, and other officials to desist from harassing journalists, stressing that Nigeria currently lacks a functional protection system for journalists.
The Executive Director of the IPI Global Network, Mr Scott Griffen said; “the media today stands at a moment of global transformation, urging journalists and institutions to adapt effectively to shape a better future for the profession.”
He commended IPI Nigeria for its achievements, noting that the global body has supported and defended journalism for nearly 75 years.
The event, which also featured the launch of the IPI publication “Nigeria Book of Infamy”, was chaired by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.