FG Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration to Tackle Misinformation at World Press Freedom Day
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and key stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is vital to safeguarding public trust and national stability.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said the current administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism and counter the spread of false information.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” he said.
Idris described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate freely, safely, and responsibly.
“The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
He noted that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberate steps have been taken to enhance transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a key initiative aimed at promoting critical thinking and responsible information use in the digital age.
He urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards, stressing that press freedom must be exercised with 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 added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening institutional collaboration.
She emphasised the need for coordinated responses to challenges posed by the evolving digital information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation.
“The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by representatives of key security and media institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Press Council, and UNESCO.
FG Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration to Tackle Misinformation at World Press Freedom Day