As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the day with the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and
the Media,” the Minister Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris wishes them a Happy World Press Freedom Day. In a statement signed by the Minister himself, he
wants the Media organisations to be vigilant, and must not allow their platforms whether traditional or digital to be hijacked by subversive elements: terrorists, anti-state actors, or ultranationalist groups, who seek to undermine the collective peace and the sovereignty of Nigeria.
It adds that granting such elements access to the public sphere without scrutiny would not only endangers national security but also erodes public trust in the media.
The minister therefore urges both the public and private media, including the civil society to work together to protect freedom of expression while embracing technology that advances, rather than diminishes, the values that are so dear to the people.
The government spokesperson, reaffirms that the Tinubu administration remains deeply committed to upholding press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, and assured the promotion of policies that allow media innovation while protecting journalists from the misuse of technology.
The Federal Government he adds is currently developing a national policy framework on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the media space to ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of ethics, press freedom, or national security.
