By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Federal Government has called for deeper collaboration among the media, public institutions, and other stakeholders to curb the rising spread of disinformation and misinformation in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
He said collective action remains critical to safeguarding public trust and maintaining national stability, noting that the current administration is committed to working closely with media professionals and international partners to promote responsible journalism.
According to the minister, press freedom is a constitutional right that the government is determined to uphold. He added that efforts are ongoing to create an environment where journalists can operate freely, safely, and responsibly in line with democratic principles and the rule of law.
Idris also condemned harassment, intimidation, and attacks on journalists, warning that such actions undermine democratic institutions and weaken public confidence in governance.
He further highlighted measures taken under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance transparency and improve access to information. These, he said, include sustained engagement with the media, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investments in public communication platforms.
The minister pointed to Nigeria’s collaboration with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja as a significant step towards strengthening public understanding of information and promoting critical thinking in the digital space.
He urged journalists to adhere to professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards, stressing that press freedom must be exercised with a strong sense of responsibility.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as an important platform for strengthening institutional collaboration.
She noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has introduced new challenges in the information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation, and called for coordinated responses to address them effectively.
Ukaire reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media sector.
The event drew participants from key institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Press Council, and development partners, among others.
