FG Pledges Support For Free, Independent Press

The Federal Government has pledged continued support for a free and independent press, describing journalism as a vital pillar of democracy.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, stated this in Abuja at a Conference on Media Sustainability with the theme “ Future-Proofing Nigeria’s Journalism Media – A Sustainability Dynamic.”

The conference was organized by the Nigeria Media Innovation Programme, NAMIP, and the Daily Trust Foundation.

Represented by
Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, Alhaji Idris, said the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu sees media innovation and press freedom as essential to national progress.

He said the government’s policies are aimed at strengthening public trust and democratic institutions, adding that efforts are ongoing to build a more resilient and self-sufficient media sector.

“Responsible and inclusive journalism is what gives voice to our democracy,” the minister said, stressing that the government is committed to creating policies that enable the media to thrive without fear.

The minister praised recent media reforms and the transition of public communication platforms towards financial independence.

He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector in sustaining Nigeria’s media.

In his keynote address, the Chairman of media trust, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf called for long-term strategies to sustain journalism and cultural analysis in a rapidly evolving digital economy, emphasizing the importance of building resilient business models that go beyond short-term funding and adapt to the shifting demands of content delivery.

He highlighted the need for media professionals to combine business acumen with cultural insight, ensuring that journalism remains both financially viable and socially impactful.

The conference brought together media entrepreneurs, editors, technologists, policymakers, media investors, philanthropic partners, and stakeholders from across the media ecosystem in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

The conference provided an opportunity for participants to engage in critical conversations around media viability, revenue models that are profitable, diverse media innovations that attract audiences, and the future of independent journalism in Nigeria.

Rakiya Gimba, Edited By Grace Namiji