The Federal Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to upholding press freedom, declaring that it has not shut down, threatened, or harassed any media organisation since the inception of the present administration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the State House, Abuja.
Idris said the administration’s record on media freedom reflected its “conscious commitment” to the constitutional principles of democracy and free expression.
“It is significant to note that not a single radio or television station has been threatened, gagged, or shut down by this government for expressing dissent,” Idris stated. “This is not a coincidence but a conscious commitment to the constitutional principles of press freedom.”
The minister described President Bola Tinubu’s presence at the event as “historic,” noting that it was the first time a sitting Nigerian leader had attended the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ annual conference in person.
According to him, the President’s participation underscores the administration’s respect for the media as “a vital pillar of democracy.”
“President Tinubu is a personification of the same resilience and struggle that define the Nigerian media,” Idris added. “Like you, he has stood firm against the tides of oppression. He understands that a vibrant, independent media is not the adversary of government, but the bedrock of a true and lasting democracy.”
The minister also recalled Tinubu’s past democratic battles, citing his defiance during the withholding of Lagos State local government funds when he was governor, as a testament to his commitment to justice and federalism.
He said the same courage and conviction were driving Tinubu’s current reform agenda, which includes the removal of fuel subsidy, naira unification, and the push for a fairer tax regime to finance infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“With unwavering conviction, President Tinubu is steering our nation through tough but necessary reforms to birth a more prosperous Nigeria,” Idris said.
He urged journalists to continue engaging the government constructively, emphasizing that the Tinubu administration values critical and responsible reporting.
“The government of President Tinubu has demonstrated its faith in you through its actions, not just its words,” he told the editors. “We invite you to engage, to critique constructively, and to report with the responsibility that this moment in our history demands.”
The All Nigeria Editors Conference is the flagship annual event of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, bringing together top media executives, policy makers, and communication experts to deliberate on issues shaping governance, press freedom, and national development.
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