There is press freedom in Nigeria… we won’t shrink the space, minister tells US ambassador

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says he will collaborate with the national assembly and other stakeholders to ensure Nigeria enacts a Cybercrime Act that is acceptable to all.

Idris spoke on Tuesday in Abuja when Richard Mills, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, paid him a courtesy visit.

He thanked the ambassador for initiating discussions around the safety of journalists and the proposed Cybercrime Act currently under consideration in the national assembly.

“We will make our input. We will work with the national assembly and other relevant stakeholders, including the media, to ensure we have an act that is acceptable to all and that serves its purpose,” the minister said.

He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, stating that the government would not restrict the media space but would instead promote an environment where journalists can operate freely.

“Nigeria enjoys an enormous amount of press freedom. We will not tighten that space; we will continue to support the media to do its job because it strengthens our democracy,” he said.

“I believe journalism and the media are integral parts of democracy. No democratic experience can survive without the fourth estate of the realm.

“That’s why President Bola Tinubu is committed to press freedom. There is press freedom in Nigeria, and it is being upheld; we will continue to uphold it.”

The minister urged journalists to remain patriotic, adding that responsible journalism is crucial for democracy to thrive.

Earlier, the US ambassador praised Idris for his remarks on World Press Freedom Day observed on May 3.

“On that day, the minister reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to freedom of the press,” Mills said.

“We also discussed the proposed reforms to the Cybercrime Act. My encouragement is for the ministry to play a crucial role in that reform process at the national assembly.

“The ministry is the voice for journalism and press freedom, and it is always valuable to have time with the minister.”