Nigeria’s Federal Government has raised fresh concerns over the growing spread of disinformation and misinformation, calling for deeper cooperation between the media, state institutions and development partners to safeguard public communication and protect democratic stability.
The warning came on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House, where the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed stakeholders on the state of press freedom in the country.
Idris said the government is prioritising collaboration with media organisations and international partners to promote responsible journalism while addressing the rapid spread of false information across traditional and digital platforms.
He stressed that press freedom remains a constitutional right in Nigeria, adding that the administration is committed to creating an environment where journalists can operate freely, safely and responsibly under democratic principles.
According to him, an unsafe environment for journalists does not only endanger individuals in the profession but also weakens the foundations of democracy itself.
The minister condemned all forms of intimidation, harassment and attacks against media practitioners, describing such actions as unacceptable in a democratic society that depends on credible information flow.
He added that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken steps to improve transparency through regular media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information framework, and investment in public communication systems.
Idris also pointed to Nigeria’s involvement in the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, which is aimed at strengthening citizens’ ability to critically evaluate information and promote responsible communication practices.
He argued that misinformation has become a serious threat to governance and public trust, especially in the digital age where content spreads rapidly without verification.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing global concern over fake news, online manipulation, and its impact on political stability, public health communication, and civic engagement.
He urged journalists, regulators and technology platforms to work more closely to ensure that accurate reporting is protected while harmful content is effectively managed without undermining press freedom.
