Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom, Urges Responsible Journalism

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom, Urges Responsible Journalism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, while urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

The President made the remarks on Thursday at the maiden State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner in Abuja, where he commended journalists covering the Presidency for their dedication to keeping Nigerians informed about government activities.

Tinubu apologised for the delay in hosting such an engagement, attributing it to the demanding nature of governance and constantly changing official schedules.

He assured journalists that his administration would continue to provide the access, resources and enabling environment required for them to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Describing himself as a longstanding supporter of a free press, the President said democracy thrives on freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of association, adding that these rights must always be exercised with a sense of responsibility.

While acknowledging the media’s constitutional role of holding government accountable, Tinubu warned against the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, deepfakes and manipulated digital content, urging journalists not to become channels for false or unverified information capable of undermining national security.

He stressed that professional journalism must continue to distinguish facts from rumours, evidence from speculation and truth from falsehood in an era dominated by social media and instant information.

The President also reminded practitioners that while freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally guaranteed, they do not extend to defamation or the deliberate dissemination of misleading information.

According to him, Nigeria’s legal framework, including the Cybercrimes Act and other relevant laws, seeks to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods, cyberstalking and identity theft while preserving the integrity of the country’s information ecosystem.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution, which guarantee press freedom and assign the media the responsibility of holding government accountable, as well as the Freedom of Information Act, which promotes transparency and public access to information.

The President also highlighted what he described as the achievements of his administration, saying ongoing economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results through improved public revenue, stronger foreign reserves, renewed investor confidence, increased investments in the oil and gas sector and sustained growth in the stock market.

He said tax reforms, fiscal discipline, infrastructure development and improvements in the business environment were laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and prosperity.

On security, Tinubu said his administration had intensified military operations, strengthened intelligence gathering and enhanced collaboration among security agencies and international partners to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.

According to him, thousands of terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralised, hostages rescued and several communities reclaimed from insurgents.

The President described the media as a critical partner in nation-building, noting that beyond serving as society’s watchdog, journalists play an important role in informing citizens, promoting civic participation, strengthening national unity and supporting democratic governance.

He called for greater mutual respect and constructive engagement between government and the media, urging journalists to prioritise truth, professionalism and public interest over sensationalism.

Tinubu expressed appreciation to members of the State House Media Corps for their service to the nation and expressed hope that the presidential dinner would become an enduring tradition celebrating the partnership between government and the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom, Urges Responsible Journalism