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Nigeria’s Vice President Hails Journalists as “Primary Defense” Against Authoritarianism
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday declared Nigerian journalists the nation’s bulwark against authoritarian rule, emphasizing that press freedom remains a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria in Abuja, Shettima highlighted the critical role journalists play during periods of national tension by countering misinformation and holding power accountable.
“We owe you a space of practice devoid of harassment, intimidation, or fear. That much is non-negotiable,” Shettima told assembled media professionals. “As a government, we must continue to create an environment where truth can thrive without obstruction and where the work you do is protected rather than policed.”
The conference, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria,” provided a platform for frank discussions about press freedom in Africa’s most populous nation, where journalists have historically faced challenges ranging from harassment to legal persecution.
Shettima praised Nigeria’s media community for its historical resilience against authoritarian tendencies, making a bold claim about the country’s democratic safeguards. “It is impossible, utterly impossible, to have a successful dictator in Nigeria. Never in our history has any person or government succeeded in suppressing the media permanently,” he stated.
The Vice President specifically commended journalists for standing firm against foreign information manipulation and interference campaigns, noting their refusal to “surrender their pens to falsehoods or foreign puppeteers.”
However, Shettima balanced his praise with a challenge to media practitioners to maintain ethical standards. He cautioned against those who fabricate stories and refuse corrections when presented with contradictory evidence, calling for professional practices that prioritize verification over virality and national interest over nihilism.
“You have been the life-size mirror of our nation, reflecting us not as we wish to be seen, but as we truly are,” Shettima said, warning that a nation with a silenced press becomes one where public officers lose direction and citizens lose their voice.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris reinforced the administration’s commitment to press freedom, describing President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as “some of the most media-friendly leaders Nigeria has produced.”
Idris acknowledged the delicate balance between national security concerns and media freedom, particularly regarding misinformation. He assured attendees that the government’s approach focuses on dialogue and ethical reporting within Nigeria’s cultural context rather than imposing controls on the press.
The current administration’s stance comes at a crucial time for Nigerian journalism. Press freedom organizations have documented numerous incidents of journalist harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention in recent years. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Nigeria has seen declining press freedom indicators, with legal threats, physical attacks, and cyber harassment increasingly common.
IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed emphasized the conference’s role as a platform for critical reflection on journalism’s state in Nigeria. He called for collective action to address challenges facing media professionals, declaring that “solidarity is the journalists’ greatest line of defense.”
Mojeed urged the federal government to rein in state governments and security agencies that harass journalists and to strengthen mechanisms for their protection throughout Nigeria.
Scott Griffen, Executive Director of IPI Global, praised IPI Nigeria for its commitment to press freedom and called for genuine collaboration among stakeholders to enhance independent journalism despite significant challenges.
The conference comes as Nigeria’s media landscape faces mounting pressures from both governmental and non-state actors, with journalists navigating increasing economic hardships and the global challenges of digital disruption and misinformation that have transformed the industry worldwide.
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20 Comments
It’s refreshing to see a government acknowledge the vital role of the media in a democracy. Resisting disinformation and foreign interference is a constant battle, and the Nigerian journalists deserve recognition for their efforts.
Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard democratic accountability through a free press are commendable. Disinformation is a global challenge, and I hope other nations follow this example.
Yes, this could set an important precedent for media freedom in Africa and beyond. Sustained commitment will be essential.
While the Vice President’s remarks are positive, I hope there is genuine follow-through and tangible steps taken to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in Nigeria.
Agreed. The proof will be in the government’s actions and policies going forward. Monitoring implementation will be crucial.
This is an encouraging sign for press freedom in Nigeria. Fostering an environment where journalists can report the truth without fear of repercussions benefits the entire country.
Absolutely. Transparent and accountable governance relies on a vibrant, critical media sector.
This is an important step, but the real test will be in the government’s actions going forward. Ensuring that journalists can operate freely and without fear of retribution is crucial for maintaining a healthy democratic discourse.
This is an encouraging sign for press freedom in Nigeria. Resisting disinformation and foreign influence is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy. Kudos to the Nigerian media for their commitment to truth and transparency.
Absolutely. A free press is the bedrock of a vibrant democracy. Allowing journalists to work without fear of harassment or retaliation is a critical step in the right direction.
It’s great to see the Nigerian government acknowledging the media’s vital role in combating disinformation and upholding democratic accountability. A free and independent press is crucial for a healthy society.
Agreed. Protecting journalists from harassment and intimidation is an important step in ensuring they can do their jobs effectively.
I’m curious to see how the government will follow through on its commitments to create a more enabling environment for journalists. The proof will be in the implementation.
That’s a fair point. Ensuring concrete policy changes and enforcement mechanisms will be key to translating these promises into meaningful progress.
It’s heartening to see the Nigerian government recognize the vital role of the media in a democracy. Protecting journalists from harassment and creating an environment where truth can thrive is essential for good governance.
Kudos to the Nigerian media for their resilience in the face of disinformation and foreign influence. Their commitment to truth-telling is commendable and crucial for the country’s democratic progress.
Absolutely. A free and independent press is the bedrock of a thriving democracy. Hopefully, the government’s recognition of their importance will translate into tangible protections and support for journalists.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific challenges Nigerian journalists have faced in the past. Addressing media repression and safeguarding democratic accountability should be a top priority for the government.
You raise a good point. Providing more details on the historical issues around press freedom in Nigeria would help give context to the significance of these recent remarks by the Vice President.
Glad to see the Nigerian government recognizing the importance of a free and independent press. Journalists play a vital role in keeping the public informed and holding leaders accountable, especially during turbulent times.