FG Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom, Unveils Regional Media Literacy Institute
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting press freedom in Nigeria and announced that the country has been selected to host a regional Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute aimed at strengthening ethical journalism and combating disinformation across Africa.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known on Tuesday at the 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) Annual Congress and General Meeting held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to an independent, critical, and responsible press, describing it as the “central nervous system” of a thriving democracy. He noted that the presence of the Vice President at the event further demonstrated the administration’s openness to dialogue and its respect for media freedom.
The Minister said security agencies had been placed under stricter protocols to respect the rights of journalists, especially in conflict zones and during civil demonstrations. Regulatory bodies, he added, continued to guarantee an enabling environment for licensed media organizations to operate without fear.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Idris said the government is adopting a balanced and transparent approach to issues involving national security, misinformation, and media freedom. He cited a recent incident in which a major publication released a false report claiming that a sovereign agreement required Nigeria to adopt LGBTQ+ rights.
He said the government chose transparency rather than coercion by immediately publishing the full agreement, issuing public clarifications, and routing the complaint through the independent media ombudsman. He said the move helped neutralize a dangerous falsehood without infringing press rights.
Idris said Nigeria’s selection to host the regional Media and Information Literacy Institute represented a major step in building long-term resilience against misinformation. According to him, the institute will serve as a neutral, pan-African centre for training journalists, educators, and citizens on digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical reporting.
He announced that the institute will be officially unveiled in the first quarter of 2026, and invited all organizations present at the congress to participate.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate with the IPI, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists to review regulatory frameworks to strengthen free speech and uphold the public good.
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Idris pledged to continue advocating for media freedom within the Federal Executive Council, adding that the government will intensify efforts to build institutions that support transparency and democratic dialogue.
He urged stakeholders to work together to advance press freedom and reinforce democratic values, saying Nigeria’s legacy must be the strengthening of institutions that safeguard the nation’s constitutional liberties.
The keynote address delivered by Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), added a critical dimension to the discussions, as he outlined the constitutional role of the media in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. Ojo reminded participants that Section 22 of the Constitution mandates the press to uphold accountability in governance at all times, describing the provision as both robust and obligatory.
According to him, the Constitution places the media at the centre of transparency, oversight, and public enlightenment. He further noted that the oversight duty imposed on the press does not derive from permission or goodwill of the government, but from constitutional authority.
Ojo argued that while successive administrations have often obstructed journalists under the guise of national security concerns, the Constitution is explicit that all organs of government must respect the media’s watchdog role. He stressed that any obstruction of journalists by state actors amounts to a violation of both the Constitution and the Code of Conduct for public officers.
Citing Sections 13 and 14 of the Constitution, he explained that government officials at all levels are under obligation to protect the welfare, security, and rights of citizens, including journalists. He said it was unacceptable for public officers to use law enforcement agencies to intimidate or arrest journalists for performing their duties, noting that such acts breach the Constitution and undermine democratic accountability.
Ojo added that directing security agencies to hinder journalists also violates the oath of office taken by public officials. The MRA Executive Director also referenced the African Commission’s Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, which outlines state obligations regarding the safety of journalists.
He highlighted provisions that require states to prevent attacks, investigate violations, prosecute offenders, and ensure effective remedies. Ojo emphasised that governments are liable when security or intelligence personnel threaten or violate the rights of journalists in the line of duty.
Ojo raised further concerns about the rising spate of attacks on journalists across the country, noting that recent monitoring reports showed government officials were responsible for nearly 74 percent of documented violations between January and October 2025. He said the lack of accountability for perpetrators, including in cases involving killings, sends a dangerous message that attacks on journalists carry no consequences.
By PRNigeria
