The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the importance of a free and vibrant media landscape to the success of democracy, expressing the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom.
He stated this when he received executive committee members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in his office on Tuesday.
Idris recognised the challenges journalists and media organisations face, including lack of press freedom, inhibited access to information and safety.
The Minister noted that the NUJ plays a vital role in sustaining the nation’s democracy and urged practitioners and regulators to work together as partners in progress.
He said: “The Ministry of Information and National Orientation is here to provide oversight and create a level playing field for all journalists, our goal being to ensure that journalists feel safe and encouraged to practice their profession.”
He observed that while press freedom is valued, it is also crucial for practitioners to be responsible and provide accurate information to the Nigerian public.
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He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had shown commitment to press freedom and created a conducive environment for the Nigerian press to operate, and therefore charged practitioners to take advantage of this commitment and collaborate in repositioning and reorienting Nigerians for the benefit of our country’s development, peace and unity.
Idris said: “As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, I am committed to working collaboratively with the Nigeria Union of Journalists to address the challenges bedeviling the industry and promote a vibrant and responsible media landscape.”
Together, he noted, the principles that define the journalism profession and ensure press freedom, access to information and the safety of journalists would be safeguarded.
Idris re-echoed his strong dedication to nurturing a flourishing media environment with the backing of the NUJ and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, the President of the NUJ, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, acknowledged the challenges faced by the media industry, including lack of press freedom, inhibited access to information, journalists safety and economic burdens.
The NUJ, he said, sees the Minister as a major stakeholder and an ally in addressing these challenges and fostering a vibrant, independent and responsible media landscape in Nigeria.
Isiguzo said the NUJ envisions a collaborative alliance with the ministry built on shared commitment and optimism for the future.