FG welcomes NMCC’s ruling against Daily Trust for report on Samoa Agreement

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has commended the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC) for its impartial investigation, which concluded that a report by Daily Trust on the Samoa Agreement was inaccurate and misleading.

The NMCC, Nigeria’s media ombudsman, ruled that the report violated the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.

In a statement released on Monday by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the government praised the ruling as a significant reminder of the media’s responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity.

The ruling emphasizes the importance of factual, fair, and balanced reporting, underscoring the critical role the media plays in shaping public perception.

The Federal Government stressed the need for news outlets to strictly adhere to professional ethics to prevent the spread of false information, as seen in Daily Trust’s coverage of the Samoa Agreement.

While recognizing the media’s vital role in democracy, the government reiterated that press freedom comes with the responsibility to report accurately and avoid misinformation.

The government also welcomed the NMCC’s recommendation that Daily Trust issue a public apology and adopt measures to prevent future inaccuracies.

It acknowledged the call for greater transparency from government institutions and pledged to improve the dissemination of information to the public.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an environment where the media can thrive while being held accountable to ethical standards. It urged all media organizations to collaborate in ensuring the spread of accurate information, essential for maintaining an informed citizenry.

The government expressed hope that this ruling would set a benchmark for journalistic excellence, strengthening the relationship between the media, government, and the Nigerian people.