As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Federal Government has restated its commitment to press freedom and ensuring a safe environment for journalists.

However, the United Nations (UN) observed with dismay that 85 per cent of crimes committed against journalists all over the world go uninvestigated and unpunished.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the commitment yesterday in Abuja at an inter-ministerial press conference held to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.

With the theme, ‘Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security’, the event brought together key stakeholders, including security agencies and media executives, to deliberate on safeguarding journalists and strengthening collaboration ahead of the next election cycle.

According to Idris, the government recognises a free and responsible press as central to democratic governance, stressing that no society can thrive without credible information and accountability.

He noted that Nigeria’s democratic journey had been shaped in part by the role of the media in informing citizens, shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable.

he President Bola Tinubu administration, he added, remains committed to fostering an environment where journalists can operate freely and safely.

On his part, the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, said press freedom must be balanced with national security considerations.

In his message to mark the Day, yesterday, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, described the neglect of crimes against journalists as an unacceptable level of impunity.

Stressing that press freedom remains a key pillar of democracy, Guterres noted that the media serves as a watchdog in society.

He said the 1991 Windhoek Declaration strongly emphasised media freedom, which led the UN to dedicate the day to defending and strengthening press freedom worldwide.