The Nigerian government has promised to keep supporting a free and responsible media, saying the press plays a big role in strengthening democracy and helping the country grow.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of a new book titled Nigeria Media Renaissance – Perspectives on Online Publishing, put together by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
He said the current administration is open to working closely with journalists to promote honesty, fairness, and truth in the news.
“We want to help improve journalism standards and tell the Nigerian story in a way that brings hope,” he said.
The minister also praised online media but warned about the dangers of fake news and misleading information, which he said can cause serious harm in society.
“A single false report can lead to violence or damage someone’s reputation in minutes,” he added.
To fight misinformation, Idris announced that Nigeria will open a new Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja by November 2025, in partnership with UNESCO. The institute will help improve fact-checking and encourage responsible reporting.
He also urged journalists to focus on stories that unite the country and support development, saying true democracy is not just about voting but about improving people’s lives.
The minister commended GOCOP for promoting good journalism in the digital space and encouraged media organisations to keep up the good work.
