Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to safeguarding press freedom and advancing the journalism profession in Nigeria.
Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He noted that President Tinubu has always been a supporter of the media and remains dedicated to upholding the integrity of journalism in the country.
“In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years. This administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the lifewire of the nation — we can’t afford to muzzle you,” Shettima said.
The Vice President described the media as the conscience of the nation, stressing that journalism plays a role almost at par with the judiciary in holding leaders accountable and safeguarding democracy.
He further recalled that notable national leaders such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo were journalists before becoming politicians, demonstrating the media’s historical impact on nation-building.
Challenges Facing the Media
Shettima acknowledged the financial struggles facing many media organizations, particularly difficulties in paying staff salaries and sustaining operations. He appealed for patience and assured that President Tinubu would continue to support the NUJ and the broader media community.
He also reiterated that the removal of fuel subsidies was a difficult but necessary decision taken in the national interest, as part of ongoing economic reforms targeted at repositioning the economy for long-term growth.
NUJ’s Demands to the Government
Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, urged the federal government to take concrete steps to protect journalists and strengthen media freedom.
He called for:
A firm stance on defending press freedom and preventing harassment of journalists.
A comprehensive review of colonial-era laws, including sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that criminalize journalism.
Decriminalization of libel.
Establishment of a national safety and protection protocol for journalists in collaboration with security agencies.
A media support framework comprising training grants, tax reliefs, soft loans, and bailout packages for struggling media houses.
Partnerships with TETFUND, universities, and international institutions to improve journalism training and capacity-building.
Creation of a Permanent Government–Media Liaison Platform under the Office of the Vice President to enhance policy communication and curb misinformation.
Abdullahi reiterated that the Nigerian press remains a partner in nation-building and would continue to support the administration’s development agenda while also maintaining its duty to speak truth to power.
“We are institutional partners. We will not be drowned in false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government. Just as we point out shortcomings, we will also commend government when things are done right,” he said.
He applauded the Tinubu administration’s efforts in economic reform and national development, despite ongoing challenges.
