Media key to accountability, Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, says Information minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting accountability, and strengthening Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
He made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Media Outreach Programme, themed “The Role of Media in the Fight Against Corruption: Issues and Challenges.”
Represented by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, Idris said the media empowers citizens and strengthens governance through accurate reporting and investigative journalism.
“The media is not just an observer in society; it is a powerful force that shapes perception, drives accountability, and influences national direction,” he said.
The minister noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has implemented reforms to tackle corruption and curb illicit financial flows, including improving financial intelligence systems, monitoring suspicious transactions, and enforcing compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.
He highlighted the role of institutions such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Central Bank of Nigeria in improving transparency, inter-agency collaboration, and confidence in the financial sector.
Idris acknowledged challenges facing the media, including misinformation, limited resources, safety concerns, and the complexity of reporting financial crimes, stressing the need for collaboration and capacity building for journalists.
He urged media practitioners to maintain high ethical standards and assured that the ministry would continue to support them through public enlightenment and timely access to accurate information, describing the fight against corruption as a shared responsibility.
