The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, assured that the Federal Government has no intention to restrain or manipulate the media. Emphasizing the importance of responsibility, he urged media organizations to collaborate with regulators for the benefit of the public.

In an interview on Channels TV, the minister highlighted that media houses operate freely without government pressure, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratic values. He stressed the administration’s commitment to media freedom while urging responsible reporting to avoid societal issues.

Idris acknowledged global challenges of fake news and social media abuse, noting the government’s efforts to address these issues. He mentioned UNESCO’s forthcoming guidelines for social media and emphasized the balance between freedom and responsibility.

Addressing trust in government communication, the minister expressed his dedication to rebuilding Nigerians’ confidence in their country. He emphasized the need for truthfulness from government officials and citizens’ trust in their leaders.

Regarding the digital switchover (DSO) from analog broadcasting, Idris deemed the progress unsatisfactory and pledged to revisit the issue. He assured Nigerians that DSO would be successful within the next few years, despite acknowledging the substantial investment made.