FG Reaffirms Press Freedom Commitment Ahead of 2027 Elections

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring a secure environment for journalists as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during an inter-ministerial press briefing to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.

The event, themed “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” brought together media executives, security agencies and other stakeholders to discuss the role of the press in strengthening democracy and ensuring peaceful elections.

Idris said the present administration recognises the media as a key pillar of democracy, noting that no society can function effectively without free flow of credible information.

He stressed that the government of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting journalists in the discharge of their duties.

“Let me reaffirm unequivocally that the government does not support any form of intimidation, unlawful harassment or attacks against journalists carrying out their lawful duties,” Idris said.

At the same time, the minister warned about rising threats in the information space, including misinformation, disinformation and the growing use of artificial intelligence to distort facts.

He said these trends pose risks to national stability and democratic integrity.

“We have seen how the influence of deepfakes and fake news threatens the very democracy that press freedom seeks to protect,” he added.

Idris disclosed that Nigeria is working with UNESCO to strengthen information integrity, including plans to establish a media and information literacy centre in Abuja to help combat fake news and improve public awareness.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he urged journalists to uphold professionalism and accuracy, stressing that the media will play a decisive role in shaping public trust in the electoral process.

“A professional, ethical and responsible media will be central to ensuring free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms in the information sector, including efforts to strengthen public communication institutions such as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He added that the National Press Centre in Abuja is being repositioned as a hub for media engagement.

Also speaking, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, represented at the event, said press freedom must be balanced with national security considerations.

He noted that while transparency remains essential, certain security operations require discretion.

“A nation at peace requires both security and liberty. Security without freedom risks dictatorship, while freedom without security risks disorder,” he said.

Ajayi called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the media, including improved communication channels to reduce misunderstandings.

On his part, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, assured journalists of police protection in the discharge of their duties.

He said attacks on journalists would not be tolerated, describing the media as a critical partner in maintaining peace and order.

“Any infringement on the rights of journalists is an affront to the rule of law, and we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting such violations,” he said.

World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 following a UNESCO recommendation.

It also commemorates the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, which laid the foundation for global advocacy on media independence and pluralism.