The federal government has reiterated the critical role of the media in combating corruption, calling for stronger collaboration between journalists and anti-graft agencies to promote transparency and accountability across Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call during a one-day workshop organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.
Represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, the minister emphasised that the media remains a powerful force in shaping public perception and encouraging citizen participation in the anti-corruption drive.
He described the workshop theme, focused on revitalising Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, as both timely and essential, stressing that modern governance requires strategic engagement with the media to build trust and promote transparency.
Idris also warned against the dangers of misinformation and fake news, noting that the rise of social media has made it easier for unverified information to spread rapidly.
He urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards to safeguard credible information.
“The media are vital partners in strengthening national discourse and countering false narratives,” he said, adding that government initiatives are focused on restoring public trust, promoting national values, and modernising the media landscape.
Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Aliyu, called for deeper synergy between the press and anti-corruption institutions.
He described journalists as watchdogs and key drivers of accountability in governance.
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Aliyu noted that the engagement builds on previous dialogues and is aimed at generating practical ideas to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework ahead of its next phase.
Also speaking, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Mohammad Ali, highlighted the challenges journalists face, including threats, limited access to information, and weak whistleblower protections.
He encouraged media practitioners to remain steadfast in exposing corruption despite these obstacles.
The workshop brought together media leaders, NUJ council chairmen, and key stakeholders from across the country, reinforcing the growing consensus that a vibrant and responsible press is essential to winning the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
