President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists and media organisations to exercise greater responsibility in their reporting, warning that reckless coverage could undermine national security and embolden those seeking to destabilise the country.
Speaking on the role of the press amid Nigeria’s security challenges, Tinubu said the media must avoid becoming a platform for narratives that could aid criminal groups or threaten the country’s stability.
“We must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting,” the president said. “If we do, we will have no safe space left, especially at a time when our nation is tackling security threats, neutralising thousands of criminal elements, and rescuing hostages. The media should not become an amplifier for those who wish to harm us.”
His remarks come as Nigerian security forces continue operations against armed groups, kidnappers and other criminal networks across several parts of the country, with the government insisting that sustained military and intelligence efforts are yielding results.
Tinubu acknowledged that disagreements between governments and the media are an inherent feature of democratic societies, stressing that both institutions have distinct but complementary responsibilities in ensuring accountability and good governance.
“There is always tension between the government and the press, but that is the nature of democracy,” he said. “The government must act, the media must watch, the government must explain, and the media must question.”
The president’s comments underscore the delicate balance between safeguarding national security and protecting press freedom, a subject that has remained at the centre of public debate in Nigeria. While governments often urge caution in reporting security-related issues, media advocates have consistently maintained that independent journalism and robust scrutiny are essential pillars of a healthy democracy.
Tinubu reiterated that responsible journalism should contribute to national cohesion while holding public officials accountable, arguing that both security and transparency are necessary for Nigeria’s democratic development.
