The Federal Government has reaffirmed its firm commitment to press freedom, democratic accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s information space, stating that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully aligned with global norms of media independence, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The Minister spoke at the 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) Annual Congress and General Meeting, which held on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja. He described the media as “the central nervous system of any democracy, and the amplifier of citizens’ voices.” He noted that the attendance of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the opening session was a clear demonstration of the government’s openness to continuous engagement with the press.
Responding to the theme, “Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria,” the Minister said it is important to distinguish between historical experiences and the realities under the current administration. He stated clearly that “there is no government policy, formal or informal, that seeks to repress the media today,” adding that available evidence reflects restraint and cooperation rather than hostility. “A dialogue on freedom must be grounded in fact. If anyone claims there is an active policy of repression today, we should test that claim against the evidence,” he said.
The Minister noted that security agencies now work under stricter protocols to ensure the safety of journalists, especially during protests and in conflict-prone areas. He also assured that regulatory bodies have continued to maintain a safe, predictable, and fair environment for media organisations. “A free press is indispensable. Journalists must be able to work without intimidation or interference, and this government has been consistent on that point,” he said.
Idris cited a recent incident in which a major newspaper published a false report alleging that Nigeria had signed an agreement requiring the adoption of LGBTQ+ rights. He explained that although the report risked heightening cultural and religious tensions, the government chose transparency over confrontation. “The Federal Government published the full text of the agreement, issued factual clarifications, engaged the public openly, and lodged complaints through the independent media ombudsman. We did not apply pressure or coercive measures. “We chose facts,” he noted.
The Minister confirmed that Nigeria has been selected to host the Regional Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute for Africa, and that the Centre will train journalists, educators, and citizens on ethical reporting, fact-checking, and combating disinformation within African cultural contexts. He stressed that the Institute will operate as a neutral, knowledge-based platform, not a government mouthpiece, and will support the strengthening of democratic information systems across the continent. The formal launch will take place in the first quarter of 2026, with all organisations at the congress invited to participate.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s readiness to work closely with IPI Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists to modernise regulatory frameworks in line with global best practice while balancing free expression with the public interest, “Our shared duty is not only to challenge repression but to expand freedom. Let us strengthen the foundations of our democracy by protecting the freedoms that sustain it,” he said.
The event was attended by His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shetima, GCON, and Chairman of the event.
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