President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressing delegates at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week where Nigeria and the UAE announced the conclusion of economic partnership talks.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to prioritise national interest by rejecting terrorist propaganda, combating misinformation and reporting responsibly to support the country’s security and democratic development.
Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, Tinubu said press freedom must be exercised with professionalism, fairness and accuracy. He warned that terrorists and kidnappers seek publicity to spread fear and division and urged the media not to become a channel for amplifying their messages.
“The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers. We must protect our nation,” the President said.
Tinubu stressed that while his administration remains committed to constitutional democracy and press freedom, journalists also have a duty to provide context that helps citizens understand government policies and long-term national goals.
He urged media organisations to prioritise facts over sensationalism and credibility over clickbait, adding that freedom of expression should not be used to spread falsehoods or defame others.
The President also defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying difficult policy decisions are beginning to yield positive results. According to him, government revenue has increased, foreign reserves have risen above 50 billion dollars, investor confidence is improving and fresh investments are returning to the oil and gas sector.
On security, Tinubu said military operations and intelligence coordination have intensified, leading to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminals, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of communities previously occupied by armed groups.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring every Nigerian can live and do business safely.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also called on journalists to avoid headlines that glorify terrorists and instead promote responsible reporting that strengthens national unity.
Earlier, Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Emmanuel Anule, appealed to the President to make the dinner an annual engagement to deepen collaboration between the Presidency and the media. The event also recognised several prominent Nigerians for their contributions to national development.
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