THE Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, describing it as vital to his vision of building a prosperous and democratic Nigeria.
Speaking today at the All Nigeria Editors Conference in Abuja, Idris stated that no media organisation in the country has been threatened, silenced, or shut down under the current administration.
“Central to this vision of a prosperous Nigeria is an environment where free speech and a dynamic media can thrive,” he said. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have nurtured an unprecedentedly egalitarian media ecosystem.
With over 1,000 licensed radio and television stations across the country, not a single one has been gagged or shut down for expressing dissent.”
He explained that this reality reflects the President’s deliberate commitment to uphold the constitutional principles of press freedom, not mere coincidence.
Highlighting international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in media freedom, Idris revealed that the country has been chosen to host the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, a global platform that will position Nigeria as a key voice in promoting media literacy and ethical journalism.
“We are transforming our information architecture to ensure that Nigeria not only consumes information but also contributes meaningfully to a more literate, discerning, and ethically grounded global media space,” he said.
Addressing the editors at the conference, Idris urged them to see themselves as strategic partners in national development.
He encouraged constructive criticism, balanced reporting, and truth-driven storytelling, emphasizing that President Tinubu’s administration views the press not as an adversary but as a cornerstone of democracy.
“The government has demonstrated its faith in you through its actions,” he said. “We invite you to engage, critique constructively, and tell the Nigerian story with truth, balance, and optimism.”