President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to freely criticise his administration’s policies but to do so with fairness, accuracy, and a commitment to national unity.
Speaking on Wednesday at the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja, the President acknowledged the essential role of the media in strengthening democracy and shaping public opinion. He emphasised that the press must remain a constructive partner in the collective effort to build a prosperous nation.
“I urge you to continue upholding the standard of journalism—report boldly, but do so truthfully,” Tinubu stated. “Criticise government policies, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down what we are building together, but to help build a better society.”
Tinubu also highlighted the growing influence of social media in expanding citizen journalism but warned that it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation. He urged journalists to remain vigilant and maintain the highest standards of verification and professional integrity.
“Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation,” the President said. “Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor, balance must be your principle, and professional judgment must be your guide.”
The President’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of government policies by traditional and online media. His comments reflect an appeal for responsible journalism that strengthens democracy while promoting national cohesion.
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OPENING ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR AT THE NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS’ ANNUAL CONFERENCE STATE HOUSE WEDNESDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER 2025.
PROTOCOL
- It is my privilege to welcome you to the State House for this year’s Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Your presence here reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction and strengthening democratic life. I commend the leadership of the Guild for sustaining this tradition of reflection and professional engagement.
- The theme you have chosen, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, invites us to reflect on the state of our democracy and the ways in which public discourse can either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold our nation together. This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient, and trusted by our citizens.
- Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening. From the early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the principled voices that kept hope alive during the dark days of military dictatorship, the Nigerian press has stood at critical points in our nationhood to defend reason, dignity and progress. Many journalists endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good. Their sacrifices are part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today. We honour them not only in memory but also by remaining committed to the values they upheld.
- Yet, freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise. A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation. This is where your role becomes central and indispensable.
- As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted. The weight of that responsibility is significant. It must be exercised with wisdom, fairness and a strong sense of national duty.
- Nigeria is a large and diverse country. Debate and differences are part of our reality. However, disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion. Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve. The national interest must always remain paramount.
- We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle and professional judgement must be your guide.
- I urge you, therefore, to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism. Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.
- On our part, this administration remains committed to securing our nation, sustaining economic stability and widening the circle of opportunity for all citizens. The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing. We have taken steps to restore macroeconomic balance, encourage investment and rebuild confidence. The signs of progress are visible in several sectors of the economy. Still, we know there is more work to do, and we remain focused on ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
- However, economic reforms and institutional improvements alone cannot build the Nigeria we seek. Nation-building requires cooperation. It requires trust. It requires a shared understanding that our future is tied together. Government has its role. The private sector has its role. Civil society has its role. And the media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity.
- I ask that you continue to exercise that responsibility with seriousness and honour. Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. Let us remember that the stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people, influence the country we become.
- Distinguished Editors, your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will all help shape the direction of our national journey. Let us carry this responsibility with purpose.
- I wish you constructive, thoughtful and fruitful deliberations, and I look forward to the outcomes of your discussions.
- Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
What You Should Know
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message to the Nigerian media underscores his belief in a free press as a cornerstone of democracy, while also calling for responsibility in reporting.
He urged journalists to balance criticism with fairness and truth, especially in an era where social media amplifies misinformation. The President’s speech at the All Nigerian Editors Conference reflects his administration’s acknowledgment of the media’s power to shape national perception and influence progress.
His emphasis on truth, verification, and professionalism aims to inspire a media culture that supports accountability without compromising the nation’s unity and development.
