The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and Executive Director, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Akin Akingbulu have stressed the need to promote press freedom and reform of the broadcasting sector.
Idris made this declaration in Abuja while welcoming a team of stakeholders led by Akingbulu.
As one of the partners implementing the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) Phase II project, the visit was part of an intervention for media growth in Nigeria and sought an outcome that would empower the media, including new media, to promote fair, ethical and inclusive coverage of the electoral process and combat hate speech and disinformation.
Akingbulu added that “there is need to strengthen professionalism of the media and institutional capacities toward building stronger democratic culture.”
He stressed the need to bolster press freedom by reviewing and amending relevant sections of the constitution, repealing colonial-era laws on sedition and criminal defamation, and enforcing access to Information law.
These steps, he argued, would create an enabling environment for media professionals to operate effectively.
He also expressed concern over the slow pace of reform in the broadcasting sector, particularly concerning the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act and advocated granting independence to the NBC, empowering it with full regulatory powers, ensuring inclusive leadership, and prioritising the protection of liberty and sustainability within the industry.
Emphasising the importance of strengthening community broadcasting, Akingbulu also underscored the necessity of inclusion, particularly for under-served populations such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, calling for the implementation of relevant legislation to promote their cause.
Responding, Idris assured the stakeholders of the government’s dedication to press freedom, citing its fundamental role in democracy.
He acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the need to review and amend relevant laws to strengthen press freedom and affirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the freedom of Information law while promoting responsible journalism.
Regarding the reform of broadcasting legislation, Idris stressed the need for accountability and transparency. He highlighted the significance of strengthening community broadcasting and hinted that efforts were underway at engaging multilateral organization, such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (UNESCO) to deepen community radio in Nigeria.
Idris also reiterated the importance of inclusion for under-served populations and pledged to implement provisions of relevant legislation to promote their interests.
