Press freedom remains non-negotiable pillar of Tinubu’s administration, says VP Shettima

*Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, assures Nigerians that press freedom remains a non-negotiable pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating that as a government, ‘we must continue to create an environment where truth can thrive without obstruction and where the work you do is protected rather than policed’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has said press freedom remains a non-negotiable pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, who stated this Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the opening of the IPI Nigeria 2025, in Abuja, FCT, described Nigerian journalists as the West African country’s primary defence against authoritarian rule.

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The theme of this year’s Conference and AGM of IPI Nigeria is: “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria”.

Vice-President Shettima precisely, said that journalists had played a stabilising role during moments of national tension by correcting misinformation and holding power to account.

On Nigeria’s commitment to protecting journalists from harassment, intimidation

VP Shettima affirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting media practitioners from harassment and intimidation.

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He also declared: “We owe you a space of practice devoid of harassment, intimidation, or fear. That much is non-negotiable.

“And as a government, we must continue to create an environment where truth can thrive without obstruction and where the work you do is protected rather than policed.”

He equally applauded the Nigerian media community for its historical resilience in confronting authoritarian tendencies, stating that a successful dictatorship is impossible in the country due to the press vigilance.

The Vice-President averred: “It is impossible, utterly impossible, to have a successful dictator in Nigeria.

“Never in our history has any person or government succeeded in suppressing the media permanently.”

Underscoring the strategic role, which the Fourth Estate of the Realm plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic, cultural, educational and political development, Shettima particularly commended journalists for standing firm against foreign information manipulation and interference, as well as their refusal to surrender to disinformation campaigns.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice-President) Tuesday, also stated VP Shettima said: “You have stood firmly against disinformation and refused to surrender your pens to falsehoods or foreign puppeteers. This honourable stance sets you apart.

“I stand before you today not as a wary politician, but as a friend, one who acknowledges your indispensable role and assures you that this administration respects, and will continue to protect, your right to freedom of expression.”

Government charges media professionals to maintain ethical standards

Besides commendation, VP Shettima as well challenged media professionals to maintain ethical standards.

He cautioned the industry stakeholders against those who fabricate stories and refuse retractions when confronted with evidence.

The Vice-President also urged a professional culture that elevates verification above virality in cyberspace, and nationhood above nihilism.

Shettima stated: “You have stood firm in the coldest nights of national adversity, and you have outlived those who attempted to place their boots upon your freedom.

“You have been the life-size mirror of our nation, reflecting us not as we wish to be seen, but as we truly are.”

He, however, armed that a nation with a silenced press becomes one where public officers lose their way, and citizens lose their voice.

Earlier in his address on the occasion, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, reaffirmed President Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancement of press freedom and independent journalism practice in Nigeria.

The Minister submitted that media-government relations is being reinvigorated and redefined under the present administration.

He, therefore, described President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima as some of the most media-friendly leaders Nigeria has produced.

Idris also said the responsibility and commitment of the present leadership of the Nigerian media must be to uphold the presentation of facts.

Idris further assured the citizenry that Tinubu’s administration operates on the fundamental principle of an independent press in acknowledgement of the fact that a free press is the amplifier of an engaged citizenry.

According to him, agencies of government – both security and regulatory, operate under strict protocols during civil demonstrations.

He further noted that the Federal Government is determined to balance national security with media freedom, particularly in addressing misinformation and related complexities.

The administration’s approach, Idris said, is not a retreat into control, but to create mechanisms for dialogue and ethical reporting within Nigeria’s own cultural context for the media.

In his welcome address at the event, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria, said the 2025 conference served as a platform for critical reflection on the state of journalism in Nigeria.

Mojeed noted this is with a view to enhancing practice and safeguarding the lives of journalists where participants are expected to adopt a call to action centred on media reform.

He advocated collective action by journalists to address challenges confronting their interests.

“Solidarity is the journalists’ greatest line of defence,” said he.

The President of IPI Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to call state governments, security agencies and other actors to order, curb incessant harassment of journalists, and strengthen the mechanism for their safety across Nigeria and beyond.

Scott Griffen, Executive Director of IPI Global, who spoke at the conference, commended IPI Nigeria for its commitment to press freedom and independent journalism in the West African country and beyond.

Griffen encouraged a genuine collaboration among stakeholders towards promoting and enhancing independent journalism in Nigeria in the face of daunting challenges.

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