Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, has called on international media organizations to uphold principles of fairness, accuracy, and objectivity in their reporting on Nigerian affairs. Idris made this appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at his office on Thursday.
Idris emphasized the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to press freedom but stressed that the government expects international media to exercise due diligence in their coverage. “While Nigeria faces challenges, it is vital for international media to present a balanced and nuanced portrayal of our country,” he said. He added that it is essential for international reporting to highlight positive developments alongside the challenges Nigeria faces.
“We urge you to continue to balance your stories and to ensure that our perspective is included. Nigeria has numerous positive aspects, and your correspondents would have observed the country’s progress and achievements,” Idris noted.
The Minister also reassured the delegation that the Nigerian government has not received any reports of harassment against journalists from international media outlets. “The Tinubu administration supports the freedom of every news organization to practice journalism without interference. We are pleased to hear that there have been no reports of your staff facing any form of harassment or pressure,” he said.
Idris praised the BBC for relocating its Hausa Service studio from London to Abuja, a move he said has significantly benefited local engagement. He highlighted that this decision has created approximately 200 jobs for Nigerians working with the BBC and enhanced the corporation’s connection with the Nigerian audience.
“The relationship between the Nigerian people and the BBC has been longstanding, based on mutual respect and trust for nearly six decades,” Idris remarked. He also expressed appreciation for the BBC’s capacity-building initiatives for journalists working in public media organizations and encouraged the broadcaster to extend similar support to private media outlets in Nigeria.
In response, Jonathan Munro, Director of Global News and Deputy CEO of the BBC, expressed his admiration for the BBC’s reputation in Nigeria. Munro, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time, noted that the BBC has expanded its multimedia presence in the country, offering broadcasts in Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba to cater to diverse audiences.
Describing Nigeria as a significant global power, Munro revealed that the BBC’s news services attract about 30 million visits weekly from Nigeria, making it the third-largest international market for the BBC after the United States and India.
Munro was accompanied by senior BBC representatives, including Ehizojie Okharadia, Head of West African Languages; Juliet Njeri, Head of News Gathering for Africa; and Aliyu Tanko, Head of BBC Hausa.
The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the BBC, reaffirming a commitment to balanced and comprehensive journalism in the reporting of Nigerian issues.