NUJ at 70: FG reaffirms support for press freedom, democratic governance
By Ukpono Ukpong
As the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) marks its 70th anniversary, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and democratic governance.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the declaration at the fifth edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held in Abuja.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains dedicated to fostering a free and responsible press as a crucial pillar of good governance, transparency, and national development.
“I hereby take the liberty to reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration to upholding press freedom and creating a conducive environment for media practice in Nigeria. This administration believes that a free and responsible press is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development,” Idris stated.
He also acknowledged the role of journalists in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, noting that their work is crucial for accountability and national progress.
Idris praised the NUJ for its decades of dedication to press freedom and journalistic excellence, describing its 70th anniversary as a significant milestone.
“Today’s briefing takes place within a significant period, as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is marking its 70th anniversary. This is a milestone that reflects NUJ’s enduring commitment to press freedom and journalistic excellence,” he said.
The event provided a platform for key ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to present their scorecards and discuss the achievements of their respective ministries.
Idris commended Ambassador Tuggar’s proactive diplomacy and strategic international engagements, which have contributed to enhancing Nigeria’s global image.
He also praised Dr. Tunji-Ojo for his transformative leadership, which has improved service delivery and operational efficiency within the Ministry of Interior.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat, deserves commendation for his commitment to promoting Nigeria’s image on the global stage through proactive diplomacy, strategic international engagements, and a clear articulation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” Idris noted.
He further highlighted that the Ministerial Press Briefing Series serves as a critical platform for government transparency, allowing citizens to engage with ministers and receive firsthand updates on government policies and reforms.
“This initiative, being driven by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, highlights the government’s commitment to accountability. It equally serves as a platform to keep Nigerians informed about the ongoing policies and programmes of the Tinubu Administration to foster active citizens’ engagement in the nation’s governance process,” Idris said.
As part of efforts to promote good governance, the Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s stance on protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians, stressing the importance of constructive criticism in a democratic society.
“I want to re-emphasize that President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians, and also encourages constructive criticism and healthy opposition because of their essential role in reinforcing and deepening our democratic framework,” he affirmed.
With the NUJ celebrating seven decades of journalistic excellence, the Minister encouraged continued collaboration between the media and the government to enhance public engagement and national development.
