The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government is committed to press freedom and creating a conducive environment for the Nigerian press to operate professionally.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who stated the position of the government when he played host to the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)-led by its President, comrade Chris Isiguzo, therefore charged journalism practitioners to take advantage of the commitment and collaborate in repositioning and reorienting Nigerians for the benefit of the country’s development, peace, and unity.
Idris noted the importance of a free and vibrant media landscape to the success of democracy, saying that the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom remains genuine.
The Information Minister noted the challenges journalists and media organizations face in the country that included press freedom, access to information and journalist’s safety.
Idris said that the Nigerian Union of Journalists plays a vital role in the sustenance of democracy and therefore urged practitioners and regulators to work together as partners in progress.
He assured that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would provide oversight and create a level playing field for all journalists, saying that his focus remains to ensure that journalists feel safe and encouraged to practice their profession.
Idris however, said that while press freedom is valued and needed, it is crucial for practitioners to be responsible and provide accurate information to the Nigerian public.
In the words of Idris; “As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, I am committed to working with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to address the challenges bedeviling the industry and promote a vibrant and responsible media landscape.”
“Collectively, we can safeguard the principles that define the journalism profession and ensure press freedom, access to information, and the safety of journalists and assured of his commitment to nurturing a flourishing media environment with the backing of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and other stakeholders.
Earlier, the President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, enumerated the challenges faced by journalists and the media industry in the country.
Isiguzo also urged the Minister to intervene and resolve the dicey issue of the check-off dues payment of members of the NUJ in the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation which is being paid to other Unions against the wishes of the members of the Union.
The NUJ President assured the Minister that as a major stakeholder, he assured of a collaborative alliance with the ministry that would be built on shared commitment.
