The Federal Government has restated its commitment to a free and responsible press, while warning against the dangers of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja at the public unveiling of Nigeria Media Renaissance – Perspectives on Online Publishing, produced by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Idris commended GOCOP for its efforts in promoting ethical journalism and innovation within the digital media space. He said the Tinubu administration is committed to media freedom in line with the foundational values of truth, fairness, and accountability.
“We want to work with the media to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action,” he said.
Marking 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, Idris described the period as one of reflection, urging media professionals and public servants alike to recommit to democratic values and national development.
“Democracy is not just about the right to vote. It is about improving lives through social services, freedom, rights protection, and infrastructure that drives progress,” the minister said.
He noted that the Tinubu administration is focused on economic reforms, infrastructure renewal, and expanding social services to move the economy from consumption to sustainable production.
Idris warned of the threat posed by false information, especially in the digital space, which he said could undermine public trust and national stability.
“We’ve seen how a single false report can trigger violence, distort markets, or ruin reputations within minutes,” he said.
While noting that GOCOP members are not typically associated with spreading falsehoods, he urged them to lead efforts in countering media abuse and holding bad actors accountable.
To strengthen media responsibility, he announced that the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute will be inaugurated in Abuja by November 2025. The institute will boost fact-checking capacity and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in responsible journalism.
The minister lauded the new GOCOP publication, describing it as a timely effort to restore professional standards in the digital age.
“A true media renaissance must not only embrace innovation but return to foundational values that elevate quality, responsibility, and public relevance,” he said.
