The Minister of Information Mohammed Idris has emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public perception, driving accountability, and influencing national direction.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Media Outreach Programme themed “The Role of Media in the Fight Against Corruption: Issues and Challenges.”
Represented by Dr Dili Ezughah, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Idris said the media plays a central role in strengthening democracy through responsible journalism.
“The media is not just an observer in society; it is a powerful force that shapes perception, drives accountability, and influences national direction,” he said. “Through accurate reporting, investigative journalism, and sustained public enlightenment, the media empowers citizens and strengthens the fight against corruption.”
The minister noted that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken deliberate steps to tackle corruption and illicit financial flows, positioning Nigeria as a responsible player in the global fight against financial crimes.
He highlighted reforms aimed at strengthening financial intelligence systems, improving monitoring of suspicious transactions, and enhancing compliance with international Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing standards.
According to him, institutions such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit have improved coordination and enforcement, boosting the country’s capacity to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes.
He added that ongoing financial sector reforms, supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, are promoting transparency and restoring confidence in the economy.
At the regional level, Idris said Nigeria continues to collaborate with the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa to combat cross-border financial crimes.
The minister acknowledged several challenges confronting the media, including the complexity of financial crime reporting, misinformation, limited resources, and safety concerns.
“These challenges underscore the need for collective action,” he said, stressing the importance of stronger collaboration between government institutions and the media, capacity building for journalists, and improved access to credible information.
Idris urged journalists to build expertise in specialised reporting areas while maintaining high ethical standards. He also assured that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would continue to support the media through public enlightenment and improved access to information.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. The government and the media cannot do it alone. But together, we can build a Nigeria where transparency is the norm, accountability is demanded, and corruption has no place to hide,” he said.
He commended the organisers of the outreach programme, describing it as a vital platform for strengthening cooperation and advancing anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria and across West Africa.