September 19, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that his ministry is working closely with the United States government to promote and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.
This is coming amid outrage over the surge in arrest and detention of journalists in Nigeria.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after he met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, in his office, Idris expressed the commitment of Nigeria to press freedom, saying the Government recognises the role of the media.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the Minister noted: “There are some challenges here and there and we are working on those areas to ensure that all of us enjoy what is called press freedom, which is an important part of any viable democracy.”
While Amb. Mills highlighted issues that must be addressed to improve press freedom, the statement said the Minister also highlighted how and what has been put in place to ensure a free press in the country.
“The Ambassador talked about some issues that he thinks we need to address to improve in the area of press freedom and we have also given him assurance on what we are doing and he recognises the fact that we are doing a great job in ensuring that Nigerian press is not just free but also one of the freest around the world.
“I know there are some challenges here and there and we are working on those areas to ensure that all of us enjoy what is called press freedom, which is an important part of any viable democracy.
“He talked about misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and all that stuff, and we discussed that. We all believe collectively that there is no way you can build a virile society when you promote fake news and don’t take the issue of misinformation and disinformation seriously,” the statement read in part.
Ambassador Mills, in his remarks, said the meeting discussed ways of strengthening existing relations between the US government and Nigeria regarding press freedom and journalists’ rights as well as how to tackle the challenges of misinformation.
