World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Tackle Disinformation, Misinformation
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has called for enhanced collaboration among the media, government institutions, and key stakeholders to effectively address the growing challenges of disinformation and misinformation, emphasising that coordinated action is vital to safeguarding public trust and national stability.
The Honourable 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.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism and counter the spread of disinformation and misinformation,” the Minister stated.
He reaffirmed that press freedom remains a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government is fully committed to protecting it. “The Federal Government recognises press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and remains committed to creating an enabling environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in line with the rule of law,” he said.
The Minister further highlighted that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberate steps have been taken to enhance transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and strategic investments in public communication platforms.
Idris also underscored Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening media literacy and equipping citizens with critical thinking skills in the digital age.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering citizens to engage with information responsibly and to promoting a more informed and discerning society,” he added.
While urging journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and ethics, the Minister stressed that press freedom must be exercised with responsibility. “The true measure of press freedom lies in how safely journalists can carry out their duties, how accurately information is disseminated, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he noted.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as an important platform for strengthening institutional collaboration and dialogue.
“This gathering underscores our collective resolve to promote press freedom while fostering a media environment that is both responsible and inclusive. It provides an avenue for meaningful engagement on advancing professionalism and public trust,” she said.
Dr. Ukaire highlighted the increasing complexity of the information ecosystem driven by digital platforms, noting the urgent need for coordinated institutional responses to curb misinformation and rebuild public confidence.
“The rapid expansion of digital media has introduced new challenges that demand unified and strategic responses, particularly in addressing misinformation and strengthening trust in information systems,” she added.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, deepening partnerships, and promoting ethical standards across the media landscape.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its readiness to continue working closely with the media, civil society organisations, and international partners to build a resilient information ecosystem that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of security agencies, media regulatory bodies, and international organisations.
