President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian editors to uphold truth, fairness, and professionalism in reporting, stressing that the media must report boldly and criticise constructively to strengthen democracy and national unity
Report Boldly, Criticise, But Help Build the Nation — President Tinubu Tells Editors
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors and media professionals to embrace their role as nation builders by reporting boldly, critiquing government policies fairly, and promoting unity through responsible journalism.
The President gave the charge on Wednesday at the 21st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (ANEC 2025), held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The conference had the theme: “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: Role of Editors.”
President Tinubu, addressing the gathering of Nigeria’s leading editors, emphasised that the media remains a vital pillar of democracy and must continue to serve as an instrument of truth and national awakening.
“Journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession — it has been an instrument of national awakening. From early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the principled voices that kept hope alive during the dark days of military dictatorship,” Tinubu said.
He praised the Guild’s leadership for its dedication and resilience despite mounting challenges in the industry, urging editors to always prioritise the national interest.
“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation,” the President noted.
“In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor, balance your principle, and professional judgment your guide. Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”
‘Government Will Consider Media Tax Relief’ – Tinubu
President Tinubu also responded positively to requests made by the Nigerian Guild of Editors for government support to the media industry.
He assured that his administration would consider measures such as fiscal incentives, legal protection, and policy support to ensure the sustainability and vibrancy of the Nigerian media landscape.
“My administration will look into your requests, including tax relief and other interventions that will strengthen the media and safeguard press freedom,” Tinubu stated.
Acknowledging the challenges of insecurity and economic hardship, he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring peace, progress, and prosperity across Nigeria.
‘No Media House Has Been Gagged Under Tinubu’ – Minister of Information
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed President Tinubu’s attendance at the conference — the first by a sitting President — describing it as a landmark show of respect for the media.
He highlighted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the media space remains free and dynamic, with over 1,000 broadcasting stations operating independently.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, no media house has been threatened, gagged, or shut down for expressing dissent. This reflects our conscious commitment to the constitutional principles of press freedom,” Idris said.
He appealed for collaboration between the media and government in crafting narratives that promote national unity and development.
Uzodimma to Editors: Uphold Electoral Integrity Ahead of 2027
Also speaking at the event, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, called on editors to play a crucial role in protecting electoral integrity and restoring public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Editors wield immense influence in shaping national perception and must be accountable for the narratives they promote, particularly during election seasons,” Uzodimma said.
“Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy.”
He cautioned that selective or sensational media coverage during the 2023 elections had contributed to public mistrust, citing the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, which found that 49% of Nigerians distrust the media.
“When every disagreement is framed as a crisis and every electoral challenge treated as systemic fraud, you feed polarisation and deepen distrust,” Uzodimma warned.
In his remarks, NGE President, Eze Anaba, thanked President Tinubu for honouring the Guild with his presence, describing it as a demonstration of goodwill and respect for the media.
He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to upholding truth, fairness, and transparency while serving as a constructive partner in national progress.
“Editors must defend the sanctity of truth, insist on transparency, and hold power to account — not as adversaries of government, but as constructive partners in the pursuit of national progress,” Anaba said.
The NGE President also presented key requests to the President, including:
Corporate tax relief for media houses
VAT exemption on media inputs
Tax incentives for advertisers
Access to affordable financing for news organisations
Repeal of laws that restrict press freedom
Establishment of a Media Development Fund to support digital innovation and newsroom transformation.
President Tinubu concluded his remarks with a message of unity and responsibility, reminding the media that the narratives they shape influence the destiny of the nation.
“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. The stories we tell ourselves as a nation influence the country we become,” he said. Read More
