On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged media organizations to remain steadfast in preventing their platforms from being exploited by subversive elements, terrorists, or anti-state actors.
In a statement commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2025, the minister emphasized that allowing such groups unscrutinized access to public platforms could endanger national security and undermine public confidence in the media.
Idris underscored the media’s critical role in shaping informed societies, particularly in an era dominated by advanced technology. “At a time when AI-powered misinformation, deepfakes, and disinformation campaigns are being weaponized to exploit divisions and sow discord, the role of the media as a gatekeeper of truth becomes even more vital,” he stated. He stressed that reporting alone is insufficient; journalists must take a principled stand to safeguard the information ecosystem from being polluted by falsehoods and manipulated content.
Reaffirming the Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom, Idris described a free and responsible media as “the lifeblood of any democratic society.” He noted that it empowers citizens to express themselves freely and hold leaders accountable. “In this new era, our resolve must be matched with action, through policies that promote media innovation while protecting journalists from the misuse of technology,” he added.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government is developing a comprehensive policy framework to guide the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media. “This framework will ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of ethics, press freedom, or national security,” Idris explained, highlighting the government’s proactive approach to balancing technological advancements with journalistic integrity.
Idris called on journalists to uphold their role as defenders of truth, urging them to protect the information ecosystem from the growing threats of misinformation and manipulated content. He emphasized the need for ethical journalism to maintain public trust and support national unity.
The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2025, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” reflects the global challenges facing journalism in the age of AI and digital transformation. The minister’s remarks align with this theme, calling for a media landscape that embraces innovation while remaining vigilant against threats to truth and national sovereignty.
