FG Rallies Media, Stakeholders Against Fake News Threat on World Press Freedom Day
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has issued a strong call for coordinated action against the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation, warning that unchecked false narratives pose a serious threat to public trust, national stability, and democratic governance.
The charge was delivered at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration in Abuja, where the government emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of information requires a united front involving the media, public institutions, and global partners.
Details of the position were contained in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, underscored the urgency of confronting the spread of false information through sustained collaboration.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed that press freedom remains a constitutionally guaranteed right, stressing the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for journalists.
“The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly,” Idris stated.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance transparency, including strengthened media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information framework, and investments in public communication systems.
Idris also pointed to Nigeria’s collaboration with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a strategic intervention to build an informed and discerning public.
“This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media literacy and empowering citizens to engage critically with information,” he noted.
The Minister urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, warning that press freedom must be exercised with responsibility.
“The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions—how safely journalists can work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he added.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Binyerem Ukaire, described the gathering as a crucial platform for strengthening institutional cooperation.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society,” she said.
Ukaire warned that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has introduced new challenges, requiring coordinated responses to combat misinformation and rebuild public confidence.
“The evolving information ecosystem demands stronger partnerships to address misinformation and reinforce trust in public institutions,” she noted.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with media organisations, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information ecosystem capable of supporting democracy, national unity, and sustainable development.
