Tinubu Administration Affirms Support for Nigerian Media Amid Press Freedom Challenges

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration remains a steadfast ally of the Nigerian media, committed to protecting and advancing the journalism profession. Shettima emphasized Tinubu's longstanding support for the media and pledged that his administration would promote and preserve journalists' interests, recognizing the media as the conscience of the nation and essential to democracy. He highlighted the crucial role of journalists in holding public officials accountable, placing the journalism profession on a level comparable to the judiciary. Acknowledging challenges such as financial struggles within media organizations, Shettima encouraged the Nigeria Union of Journalists to remain hopeful, assuring them of continued presidential support. He also stressed that authorities must not intimidate journalists, underscoring their indispensable role in democratic governance. Reflecting on history, Shettima recalled that many past Nigerian leaders were journalists before entering politics, reinforcing the deep ties between media and leadership in Nigeria.