From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the United States ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, met in Abuja over press freedom in the country.
Media aide to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, in a statement, said the ministry was collaborating closely with the United States government to promote and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.
Idris, while speaking with journalists shortly after he met with Mills, said: “The ambassador talked about some issues that he thinks we need to address so as 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.”
Speaking further, Idris said: “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.”
Idris also emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s high priority on press freedom and pledged the government’s commitment to further enhance media freedom in the country.
He told the newsmen that during the visit, they also discussed how to forge a common front in the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the country.
“He talked about misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and all that stuff, and we discussed that. We all believe collectively that there’s no way you can build a virile society when you promote fake news and don’t take the issue of misinformation and disinformation seriously,” Idris also said.
“In his remarks, Mills said his meeting with the Minister was to discuss ways of strengthening the existing relationship between the US government and the Ministry, especially regarding press freedom and journalists’ rights.
“He recognised the effort of the Minister in championing the cause of press freedom and journalists’ rights in Nigeria.
“The US envoy, who acknowledged the huge challenge posed by disinformation, especially in democracies around the world, said they have also shared thoughts and ideas with the minister on how to tackle the challenge,” the statement read.
