FG: We’ve Never Harassed or Silenced the Press — Idris

The Federal Government has stated that it has never shut down, harassed, or threatened any media organization since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Wednesday during the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the State House, Abuja.

Idris explained that the administration’s stance stems from a strong commitment to upholding press freedom, which he described as one of the key pillars of democracy.

“It is significant to note that not a single radio or television station has been threatened, gagged, or shut down by this government for expressing dissent,” Idris said. “This is not a coincidence but a conscious commitment to the constitutional principles of press freedom.”

He highlighted that President Tinubu’s presence at the conference marked a historic moment, being the first time a sitting Nigerian President attended the Editors Guild’s annual meeting.

According to the minister, the President’s attendance reflects the administration’s high regard for the media and its role in nation-building.

Idris praised Tinubu as a leader with deep democratic roots and resilience, recalling his history of standing up against authoritarianism even before becoming president.

“President Tinubu is a personification of the same resilience and struggle that define the Nigerian media. Like you, he has stood firm against the tides of oppression,” Idris added. “He understands that a vibrant, independent media is not the adversary of government, but the bedrock of a true and lasting democracy.”

The minister also linked Tinubu’s past record of courage — including his defiance against the unconstitutional withholding of Lagos local government funds when he was governor — to his current economic reforms at the national level.

“With unwavering conviction, President Tinubu is steering our nation through tough but necessary reforms to birth a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said. “The difficult decisions have been taken — from removing the oil subsidy to unifying the naira. Now we move to a fairer tax regime designed to fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare.”

Idris concluded by assuring that the government’s ongoing reforms are guided by openness and inclusion, urging journalists to continue to criticize constructively and report responsibly.

“The government of President Tinubu has demonstrated its faith in you through its actions, not just words,” he said. “We invite you to engage, critique constructively, and report with the responsibility this moment demands.”