The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between the media, government bodies, and other stakeholders to tackle the rising threat of disinformation and misinformation, warning that collective action is vital to safeguarding public trust and national stability.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that no single institution can curb the spread of false information alone.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, and to counter disinformation and misinformation,” Idris said.
He reaffirmed that press freedom is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, and that the Federal Government remains fully committed to upholding it. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he added.
Idris noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government has taken deliberate steps to enhance transparency and access to information, including sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO to establish the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a landmark initiative. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethics, stressing that press freedom must be matched by responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions: how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a crucial platform for institutional collaboration. She called for coordinated responses to the complexities of the digital information ecosystem, adding: “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust.”
The government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by representatives of the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Press Council, and the UNESCO Abuja Office.
