President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to put national interest ahead of sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible journalism could undermine the country’s security and democratic gains.
Speaking on Thursday at the maiden Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House, Abuja, the President cautioned media practitioners against becoming “megaphones” for terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups seeking to destabilize Nigeria.
“I made a commitment at my inauguration to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and you and I must also commit not to undermine our country through irresponsible reporting,” Tinubu said.
“As our nation confronts security threats, neutralizes criminal elements and rescues hostages, the media must not become an amplifier for those who wish to harm us. They want us divided. They want us to fear one another. We will not surrender to their whims.”
He stressed that while freedom of expression and press freedom remain pillars of democracy, they must be exercised with responsibility.
“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clickbait. Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame, and freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead. Public trust is earned through fairness, accuracy and responsibility,” he said.
Tinubu said he welcomed constructive criticism from the media, noting that journalists have a duty to provide context and help Nigerians understand government policies and the nation’s direction.
On misinformation, the President defended the Cybercrimes Act, insisting it was designed to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods and digital abuse rather than suppress press freedom.
Tinubu also highlighted what he described as the positive impact of his administration’s economic reforms, saying Nigeria had emerged from “the dark tunnel of uncertainty.”
According to him, the economy is stabilizing, public revenues are improving, foreign reserves have climbed above $50 billion, investor confidence is returning, and the oil and gas sector is attracting fresh investments.
On security, the President said intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency collaboration had led to the elimination of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of communities once under siege.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” he said.
Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, attended the event alongside top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
In separate remarks, Akume, Gbajabiamila and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lauded Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda, describing the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education and governance as unprecedented within its first three years.
Idris also urged journalists to report security issues responsibly, warning against headlines that amplify the activities of terrorists and criminal groups. He maintained that journalism must promote national unity while remaining committed to truth, fairness and professionalism.
The minister cited recent initiatives, including the establishment of a UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy Institute and the launch of the Free TV digital broadcasting platform, as evidence of the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Emmanuel Anule, appealed to President Tinubu to make the presidential media dinner an annual event, saying that regular engagement would deepen dialogue, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen trust between the government and the media.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to fair, factual and professional coverage of the Presidency.
The event also honored several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, industrialist Aliko Dangote, businessman Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Former Presidential spokesman Segun Adeniyi, veteran Reuters correspondent Felix Onuah, the late Baba Ladan Abubakar and State House Press Corps Chairman Emmanuel Anule were also recognized for their outstanding service to journalism and public communication.
