Information Minister Mohammed Idris Challenges Journalists to Choose Credibility Over Clicks

Mohammed Idris has challenged Nigerian journalists to uphold Media Credibility by prioritising professionalism, accuracy, and ethical reporting over the pursuit of online engagement. Speaking through the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, at the maiden Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation warned that misinformation and disinformation have become significant threats to democratic governance in the digital age.

Delivering remarks on the theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigerian Democracy,” the minister argued that journalism must remain rooted in truth and verification despite the growing influence of social media. He maintained that public confidence in the media depends on the profession’s ability to provide accurate, balanced, and contextual reporting.

Mohammed Idris Urges Journalists to Uphold Professional Standards

Mohammed Idris said professional journalists have a responsibility to distinguish themselves through rigorous fact-checking, verification, and responsible reporting. He observed that while digital platforms have transformed the speed of information dissemination, they have also increased the risks associated with false or misleading content.
The minister also cautioned against ethnic and religious profiling in crime reporting, emphasizing that criminal conduct should never be attributed to a person’s ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. According to him, such reporting can fuel prejudice, undermine national cohesion, and weaken public trust in journalism.

Representing the minister, Mallam Jibrin Baba-Ndace also commended the publisher of Emporium Magazine, Mr. Lukman Lale Babalola, for sustaining the publication over the past decade despite challenges facing Nigeria’s media industry.

Information Minister Calls for Ethical Reporting in Digital Media

Discussions at the event extended beyond government officials, with representatives of the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and media scholar Abdullahi Haruna all stressing that Media Credibility remains central to democratic governance. They argued that credible journalism promotes accountability, encourages informed public participation, and strengthens democratic institutions.

Participants warned that sensational reporting and the rapid spread of misinformation through digital platforms continue to challenge the integrity of public discourse. They urged journalists and media organisations to resist commercial pressures that encourage speed over accuracy and instead reinforce ethical standards that build long-term public confidence.
The publisher of Emporium Magazine also called on media organisations to remain committed to truth, fairness, and responsible journalism as Nigeria’s digital information ecosystem continues to evolve. He argued that sustained credibility will remain the defining strength of professional journalism in an increasingly competitive media environment.

As Nigeria’s information landscape becomes more complex, Mohammed Idris has renewed the call for journalists to place Media Credibility at the centre of their work. With misinformation continuing to test public trust, the quality, accuracy, and integrity of journalism are likely to remain critical to the country’s democratic development.