By Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Nigerian Government has praised the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), the country’s media ombudsman, for its impartial and thorough investigation that found Daily Trust’s report on the Samoa Agreement to be inaccurate and misleading. The NMCC concluded that the report violated the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, the government emphasised that the ruling underscores the critical role of journalistic integrity and accountability.
The statement also highlighted the media’s responsibility to ensure truthful and accurate reporting, which directly shapes public perception.
“The public expects that news outlets will adhere strictly to professional ethics and conduct by ensuring that their reportage is factual, fair, and balanced. This way, injurious reporting such as the one done by Daily Trust could be effectively avoided,” the statement read.
Acknowledging the media’s essential role in a democratic society, the government pointed out that with press freedom comes the responsibility to avoid misinformation.
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“A free press is a pillar of democracy but with this freedom comes the responsibility to report news in a manner that is accurate and devoid of misinformation. It is only through this commitment to truth that the media can effectively hold the government and institutions accountable.”
The government also commended the NMCC’s recommendations, which included a directive for Daily Trust to issue a public apology for its erroneous report and to implement measures to prevent future inaccuracies.
The statement further noted that the call for increased transparency and proactive information sharing by government institutions has been duly noted, adding that steps would be taken to ensure Nigerians receive accurate information on matters of public interest.
“The Federal Government is committed to fostering an environment where the media thrives while also remaining accountable to the ethical standards of the profession. We call on all media organizations to continue to uphold these standards and work collaboratively in the dissemination of accurate information, which is essential for a well-informed and active citizenry.”
The government concluded by stating that the NMCC’s ruling against Daily Trust should serve as a benchmark for journalistic excellence and strengthen the relationship between the media, government, and the people of Nigeria.
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