The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 commemoration of World Press Freedom Day held at Radio House.
Idris stressed that collective action is essential to safeguard public trust and maintain national stability, noting that the current administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the media to operate freely, safely, and responsibly in line with democratic principles and the rule of law.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance transparency and access to information. These, he said, include sustained engagement with the media, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja as a significant step toward promoting media literacy and equipping citizens with the skills to critically engage with information in the digital age.
While urging journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards, Idris emphasised that press freedom must be exercised with a strong sense of responsibility.
“The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions—how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
She noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has introduced new challenges in managing information flows, particularly the spread of misinformation, and called for coordinated institutional responses to address the evolving landscape.
Ukaire reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media sector to build a more informed and inclusive society.
The event was attended by representatives of key security and media institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Press Council, and UNESCO Abuja Office.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information ecosystem that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.