Tinubu pledges support for media, urges editors to uphold press freedom

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerian media practitioners of his administration’s commitment to press freedom, promising to consider requests for tax relief, legal protection, and other measures to sustain the industry.

Speaking at the 21st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu urged editors to maintain high standards of journalism in an era of rapid information flow and social media proliferation.

“Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle, and professional judgment must be your guide,” the President said, adding, “Report boldly, but do so truthfully.

“Critique government policy with knowledge and fairness.”

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris described Tinubu’s presence at the conference as historic — the first time a sitting president attended the annual meeting.

Idris also highlighted that over 1,000 broadcasting stations operate freely, reflecting the administration’s respect for media independence.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma urged editors to take responsibility for the narratives they promote, particularly during elections, cautioning that biased reporting could undermine public trust and national cohesion.

NGE President Eze Anaba called on the government to provide fiscal incentives, repeal restrictive media laws, and create a Media Development Fund to support digital innovation and newsroom transformation.

The conference underscored the critical role of editors in safeguarding press freedom, shaping public perception responsibly, and ensuring that the media remains a viable, independent institution in Nigeria.