FG Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has emphasized the government’s dedication to upholding freedom of speech and press as fundamental tenets essential for advancing democracy and delivering progress to the Nigerian populace.

Idris made this assertion during the reception of officials from the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, as highlighted in a statement by Mr. Suleiman Haruna, the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Press, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Minister emphasized the importance of press freedom in democratic institutionalization and emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s steadfast support for a free press. President Tinubu, identifying himself as a product of democratic struggle, has promised his government not to infringe on press freedom, as outlined by the Minister.

“In a democratic society, the role of the media in reporting and shaping development agendas is critical.” However, in this role, we underline the importance of responsible journalism,” Idris stated.

He also underlined that attaining social engineering in Nigeria required a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the press, in order to improve the system’s efficiency and performance.

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Idris congratulated the President of IPI Nigeria on his new position and encouraged him to use his exceptional online publishing talents in his new post.

Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI, expressed excitement about improvements in Nigeria’s media scene, highlighting renewed hope for media practice in the country. Mojeed encouraged the government to emphasize journalists’ safety wherever they work, and sought assurances from the Minister, whom he described as a founding member of the institute, of their unwavering support.

Mojeed continued by expressing trust in Tinubu’s administration’s media-friendliness, emphasizing the importance of the Minister’s appointment in this regard.