Nigeria, United States Meet On Press Freedom

The Nigerian government and the United States of America (USA) government, on Wednesday, met on ways to strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that several journalists have been arrested and detained without trial by the Nigerian government since May 2022.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in an interview with journalists shortly after he met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills in his office, stated that his ministry is collaborating with the United States government to promote and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.

He however said the Nigerian government is committed to press freedom because it recognises the role of the media.

Idris in a statement by Special Assistant (Media) Rabiu Ibrahim, however, said “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.”

According to him, the ambassador talked about some issues that he thinks Nigeria needs to address, to improve in the area of press freedom, but stated that he gave him assurance on what Nigeria was 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.”

He also talked about the issue of fake news and disinformation, adding that the two countries agreed to forge a common front in the fight against misinformation and disinformation in Nigeria.

“He talked about misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and all that stuff, and we discussed that. We all believe collectively that there is no way you can build a virile society when you promote fake news and don’t take the issue of misinformation and disinformation seriously,” he said.

Ambassador Mills, in his remarks, said the meeting discussed ways of strengthening the existing relationship between the US government and Nigeria, 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.