FG Seeks Joint Action Against Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has urged closer cooperation between the media, public institutions and other stakeholders to confront the rising spread of disinformation and misinformation.
It described the challenge as a growing threat to public trust and national cohesion.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day event held at Radio House.
This was disclosed in a statement by Idris’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Monday.
The minister said, “This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation.”
Idris reaffirmed the government’s support for press freedom, stressing that it remains a constitutionally guaranteed right that must be protected while being exercised responsibly.
“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, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
He explained that under President Bola Tinubu, the government has taken steps aimed at improving openness in governance and expanding public access to information.
According to him, these efforts include greater engagement with the media, enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, and the strengthening of public communication channels.
The minister also referenced Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in setting up the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, which he described as an important initiative for strengthening critical thinking and responsible information use.
“This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age,” the minister added.
He further called on journalists to remain committed to ethical reporting, professionalism and fairness, noting that press freedom must be balanced with accountability.
“The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Binyerem Ukaire, said the occasion provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation among stakeholders in the media and information space.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society.
“It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
She noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms has intensified the spread of false information, making coordinated institutional responses more urgent.
“The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
Ukaire added that the ministry would continue to support dialogue, partnerships and professional standards within the media sector.
The Federal Government restated its commitment to working with local and international partners, the media and civil society to strengthen an information ecosystem that supports democracy, unity and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Placid; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Yachat Nuhu.
