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Says narrative false, divisive, built on misinformation
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) to address what he termed an emerging and troubling trend: the attempt by some international actors and interest groups to label Nigeria as a country of religious intolerance.
Idris made the call while speaking during the IBAN 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Abuja.
Idris said the theme of the conference, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion, and Digital Security,” is timely and profound and speaks directly to the present realities of the nation, the future the government is working tirelessly to build, and the crucial role the media must continue to play in shaping a stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
He also said the conference was holding at a time when the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to yield measurable and reassuring results, adding that it was heart-warming that inflation has dropped to a three-year low of 16 per cent, reflecting deliberate fiscal and monetary policy coordination, while food prices have recorded a sustained reduction, thereby bringing relief to households across the country.
Idris added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves currently stood at $46.7 billion, the highest in seven years, signalling renewed investor confidence and stability in the macroeconomic environment.
The minister further said the outcomes were not accidental as they were the result of tough but necessary decisions taken by the President to reposition the nation’s economy for long-term growth and shared prosperity, calling on the media to help Nigerians appreciate the gains.
“Broadcasting remains one of the most powerful instruments for reinforcing national cohesion and protecting our information sovereignty. Your sector, consisting of independent broadcasters, editors, producers, and content creators, continues to be indispensable to the task of building a Nigeria where facts prevail over falsehood, where citizens are informed rather than misled, and where public trust is strengthened rather than eroded. This is why the Federal Government places a high premium on the work you do.
“In the face of an existential security threat to our country, the Federal Government has remained resolute and focused. The security architecture has been overhauled; coordination among the services is stronger; and operational capabilities have been significantly enhanced. Many high-profile terrorist and bandit commanders have been neutralised or apprehended in recent months. These successes have weakened the operational capacity of criminal groups, forcing them, regrettably, to resort to attacking soft targets.
“The recent kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State is one such desperate act. In response, Mr President has given a direct and uncompromising order to the military high command to leave no stone unturned in rescuing the girls safely and reuniting them with their families. We will not rest until this is accomplished!
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“Just yesterday, another major milestone was recorded with the conviction of a top ISWAP commander, Hussaini Ismaila, who received a 20-year prison sentence after confessing to several acts of terrorism. His conviction represents the growing success of our intelligence, investigation, and prosecution capabilities. It is strong evidence that those who terrorise Nigeria will face justice swiftly and decisively.
“We must also address an emerging and troubling trend, which is the attempt by some international actors and interest groups to label Nigeria as a country of religious intolerance. Let me be clear: this narrative is false, divisive, and built on misinformation. Nigeria is one of the most religiously diverse countries on earth, and despite our differences, our people have lived together, intermarried, conducted business, and built communities across religious lines for centuries. Any report or index suggesting otherwise is not only inaccurate but designed to sow suspicion and undermine national unity.
“This is where IBAN and the broader broadcast community must stand tall. You must collectively raise your voices to denounce these misleading classifications. You must help the world understand Nigeria as it truly is—not through the distorted lens of external agendas, but through factual, balanced, and context-rich reporting,” Idris said.
Idris also said the conference, which brought together a diverse mix of participants, underscored a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media and regulatory framework, enhancing broadcast standards, and safeguarding our digital ecosystem.
“As the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, I assure you that this government is fully committed to protecting press freedom while upholding national security. We will continue to promote responsible broadcasting and actively combat misinformation, ensuring that the media environment remains a space where truth, accuracy, and professionalism guide public communication.
“In addition, the government is determined to support technological advancement and digital safety across the broadcast ecosystem. We are strengthening laws and policies that enhance the credibility and sustainability of the media industry, while also ensuring that the broadcast sector thrives in an environment of innovation, fair competition, and long-term viability. I urge you to reflect accurate realities, not sensational distortions. Invest in newsroom capacity to detect and counter deepfakes, AI-generated misinformation, and online propaganda,” the minister stated.
In his remarks, IBAN Chairman, Ahmed Ramalan, said IBAN, as a pivotal and responsible body within the broader national space, is obliged to add its heavy voice to the concern over the internal security challenges facing the nation.
The IBAN Chairman also said the organisation believed the media, and above all the independent broadcast media, can significantly impact upon the fight against insecurity and insurgency, which has resulted in disturbing loss of lives, properties and devastating effects of hampered freedom of movement on our nation’s economy.
“IBAN suggests the optimisation of its unbiased platforms to create awareness, ensure viable dialogue and deployment of a feedback-communication-based approach to address these security challenges faced by our fatherland,” Ramalan said.
