The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that despite occasional challenges, the press in Nigeria remains largely free under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of the International Press Institute in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris addressed the theme “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space.”
Idris acknowledged that while there have been some threats and challenges, Nigeria has enjoyed significant media freedom, evidenced by the growth of press organizations across print, broadcast, and digital media.
He highlighted that since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 and Idris took office in August 2023, both have been committed to safeguarding and expanding media freedom in the country, according to Daily Post.
The minister also underscored his personal involvement in addressing any threats to media freedom, ensuring that due process is followed and the rights of the press are respected.
He pointed out that President Tinubu, as a media entrepreneur and a key figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, is deeply committed to protecting media freedom and the country’s civic space.
Idris further discussed President Tinubu’s focus on judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and association, which are essential for the proper functioning of Nigeria’s civic space. He also emphasized that civic space is not only about freedoms but also about responsibilities, reminding that media freedom must be exercised with respect and accountability.
In addition to media freedom, Idris addressed Nigeria’s economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He outlined the government’s efforts to diversify the economy, enhance human capital development, and promote inclusive growth. He highlighted proposed tax reforms designed to simplify the tax system and reduce the burden on vulnerable citizens while introducing exemptions for certain individuals and businesses.
Idris also noted that funds previously lost to inefficient subsidy programs are now being redirected into key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, and social investment programs. These investments are seen as critical to building a prosperous and globally competitive Nigeria.
“Now I am not saying that there have not been challenges and threats here and there, but on the whole, Nigeria has enjoyed an openness and freedom that has seen the welcome proliferation of press organizations across print, broadcast and digital media.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May of 2023, and since I assumed office as Minister of Information and National Orientation in August of that year, we have asserted and reiterated our commitment to ensuring and expanding the freedom of the Nigerian press.
“Every time there has appeared to be a threat to this freedom, I have personally taken it upon myself to ensure that due process prevails and that the fundamental rights of the press are respected.
“The President is a firm believer in media freedom and the protection of Nigeria’s civic space. Not only has he been a media entrepreneur himself, but he has also earned himself a place in history as one of the champions of the pro-democracy movement that saw the permanent end to military rule in Nigeria,” he said.
