"Nigerian Government Asserts: No Media Censorship Under Tinubu"

Table of Contents

1. Commitment to Press Freedom
2. International Press Institute Congress
3. Addressing Media Repression
4. Government Policy on Media
5. Safety of Journalists
6. Government Transparency
7. Regional Media and Information Literacy Institute
8. Collaboration with Media Organizations
9. Expanding Freedom

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, democratic accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s information landscape.

The minister addressed attendees at the 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) Annual Congress and General Meeting, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja.

Describing the media as “the central nervous system of any democracy and the amplifier of citizens’ voices,” he highlighted that the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the opening session clearly demonstrated the government’s willingness to engage continuously with the press.

In response to the theme, ‘Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria,’ the minister emphasized the importance of distinguishing between historical experiences and the realities faced under the current administration.

He stated, “There is no government policy, formal or informal, that seeks to repress the media today,” adding that existing evidence shows restraint and cooperation rather than hostility.

“A dialogue on freedom must be based on facts. If anyone asserts that there is an active policy of repression today, we should evaluate that assertion against the evidence,” he remarked.

The minister pointed out that security agencies now operate under stricter protocols to ensure the safety of journalists, particularly during protests and in areas prone to conflict. He also assured that regulatory bodies continue to provide a safe, predictable, and fair environment for media organizations.

“A free press is essential. Journalists must be able to work without intimidation or interference, and this government has consistently upheld that principle,” he stated.

Idris referenced a recent incident in which a major newspaper published a false report claiming that Nigeria had signed an agreement mandating the adoption of LGBTQ+ rights. He explained that although the report risked escalating cultural and religious tensions, the government opted for transparency instead of confrontation.

“The Federal Government published the full text of the agreement, provided factual clarifications, engaged openly with the public, and filed complaints through the independent media ombudsman. We did not apply pressure or coercive measures. We chose facts,” he noted.

The minister announced that Nigeria has been selected to host the Regional Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute for Africa, which will train journalists, educators, and citizens on ethical reporting, fact-checking, and combating disinformation within African cultural contexts.

He emphasized that the Institute will function as a neutral, knowledge-based platform, not a government mouthpiece, and will aid in strengthening democratic information systems across the continent. The formal launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, with all organizations at the congress invited to participate.

Idris also reiterated the government’s readiness to collaborate closely with IPI Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists to modernize regulatory frameworks in line with global best practices while balancing free expression with public interest.

“Our shared responsibility is not only to challenge repression but to expand freedom. Let us fortify the foundations of our democracy by safeguarding the freedoms that support it,” he concluded.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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