No Media Outlet Has Been Threatened, Gagged By Tinubu’s Govt – Information Minister

Tinubu Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom: No Media Outlet Threatened or Gagged

In a bold reaffirmation of democratic principles, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared that no media outlet has been harassed, threatened, gagged, or shut down under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement was delivered during the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), held at the State House in Abuja, where the President himself made a historic appearance, the first time a sitting Nigerian leader has personally attended the Guild’s annual conference.

Idris emphasized that the Tinubu administration holds the media in high regard, viewing it as a vital pillar of democracy and national development. He stated unequivocally that the government has made a conscious and deliberate commitment to uphold the constitutional values of free speech and press freedom. According to him, this commitment is not accidental but a reflection of the administration’s broader vision for a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.

The Minister highlighted that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has nurtured what he described as an “unprecedentedly egalitarian media ecosystem.” He noted that no radio or television station has been silenced for expressing dissent, and no journalist has been sanctioned for critical reporting. This, he argued, is evidence of the administration’s tolerance for diverse viewpoints and its respect for democratic norms.

Further underscoring the global recognition of Nigeria’s media openness, Idris announced that the country has been granted hosting rights for the International Media and Information Literacy Institute. This prestigious event, he said, will connect Nigeria to global media literacy dynamics and reinforce its role as a leader in promoting responsible journalism and information dissemination.

The Minister also linked the administration’s media-friendly stance to its broader reform agenda, which includes the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of the naira exchange rate, and the modernization of the tax system. He described these reforms as part of a collective effort to renew the nation and build trust between the government and its citizens, with the media playing a central role in that process.

In conclusion, Mohammed Idris’s remarks at the ANEC served as a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s democratic credentials and his administration’s respect for press freedom.

The government’s stance, as articulated by the Minister, positions Nigeria as a beacon of media liberty in a region often fraught with censorship and repression.

The presence of the President at the conference further reinforced the message that the media is not only free but also valued as a strategic partner in governance and national progress.