The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that no media outlet has been threatened, gagged, or shut down under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the government’s commitment to press freedom as central to national progress.
Speaking on Wednesday at the All Nigeria Editors Conference in Abuja, Idris said the Tinubu government has fostered an environment where free speech and independent journalism can thrive.
According to him, “Central to this vision of a prosperous Nigeria is an environment where free speech and a dynamic media can flourish.
”Not a single media organization has been shut down or intimidated for expressing dissent
“This is a deliberate adherence to the constitutional principles of press freedom, ” he said.
He noted that Nigeria currently had over 1,000 licensed radio and television stations operating without government interference, a reflection of the administration’s egalitarian approach to media regulation.
Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s growing global recognition for press freedom, citing the country’s successful bid to host the International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
The minister also described the event as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s progress and contribute to a global conversation on ethical journalism and media literacy.
“The government of President Tinubu views independent media not as an adversary, but as the foundation of a strong democracy.
”We invite editors to critique constructively, report responsibly, and engage in national renewal,” he said.
The minister further urged journalists to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping public discourse while supporting national development, underscoring the administration’s belief that media freedom is integral to a prosperous and democratic Nigeria.
