The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged international media organizations to adopt a more balanced and positive approach to their coverage of Nigeria. During a meeting with a delegation from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Abuja on Thursday, the minister emphasized the need for global media to present a fair and accurate portrayal of the country.
“There are not only bad things coming out of Nigeria,” Idris stated in a press release signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim. He stressed that Nigeria is on a path to prosperity and called on the BBC and other foreign media to tell the full story of the nation’s progress.
Idris highlighted the importance of balanced reporting, urging media outlets to include Nigeria’s perspective in their stories. “I am sure your correspondents on the ground have seen that we have a lot of positive things happening in this country, and there is a gradual progression towards prosperity,” he said.
He reassured media organizations of the Nigerian government’s commitment to press freedom, stating, “Our commitment is to stay focused, unbiased, and as free as possible.” Idris noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has maintained a policy of press freedom, with no reports of harassment from international journalists.
The minister praised the BBC for its decision to relocate its Hausa Service to Abuja, creating significant local employment opportunities. He also acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the BBC, a relationship built on trust and respect for over five decades.
Jonathan Munro, the BBC’s Deputy CEO and Director of Global News, expressed admiration for the broadcaster’s strong audience base in Nigeria, where the BBC reaches over 30 million people weekly. He confirmed that Nigeria is the BBC’s third-largest market globally, following the U.S. and India.
Munro, visiting Nigeria for the first time, described the country as a global power and noted the BBC’s efforts to expand into new digital and multimedia platforms. The BBC continues to broadcast in Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba to reach Nigeria’s diverse population.
