Vice President Kashim Shettima has delivered a powerful assurance that press freedom remains a non-negotiable pillar of President Bola Tinubu's administration. Shettima made this declaration on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, while addressing the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria's Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
Journalists as Nigeria's Defence Against Authoritarianism
Speaking on the conference theme, "Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria," the Vice President described Nigerian journalists as the nation's primary defence against authoritarian rule. He credited the media with playing a stabilising role during moments of national tension by correcting misinformation and holding power to account.
Shettima affirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to protecting media practitioners from harassment and intimidation. "We owe you a space of practice devoid of harassment, intimidation, or fear. That much is non-negotiable," he stated emphatically. He added that the government must create an environment where truth thrives without obstruction and where journalistic work is protected, not policed.
Impossible Dictatorship and Ethical Challenges
The Vice President argued that a successful dictatorship is utterly impossible in Nigeria due to the press's historical vigilance. "Never in our history has any person or government succeeded in suppressing the media permanently," Shettima noted. He particularly commended journalists for standing firm against foreign information manipulation and disinformation campaigns.
However, Shettima also challenged media practitioners to uphold high ethical standards. He warned against those who fabricate stories and refuse retractions when confronted with evidence, calling for a professional culture that prioritises verification above virality, and nationhood above nihilism.
Government's Media-Friendly Stance Reiterated
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who also spoke at the event, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration's commitment to enhancing press freedom and independent journalism. He described President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as "some of the most media-friendly leaders Nigeria has produced."
Idris assured that the administration operates on the fundamental principle of an independent press, acknowledging that a free press amplifies an engaged citizenry. He stated that the government's approach is not to control but to create mechanisms for dialogue and ethical reporting within Nigeria's cultural context.
The IPI Nigeria President, Mr. Misikilu Mojeed, said the conference served as a platform for critical reflection on the state of journalism in Nigeria. He called for collective action by journalists, stating that solidarity is the journalists' greatest line of defence. Mojeed urged the Federal Government to curb incessant harassment of journalists and strengthen safety mechanisms nationwide.
The event concluded with participants expected to adopt a call to action centred on media reform, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria's government and its vibrant press corps.
