The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has affirmed the commitment of the Buhari administration to freedom of expression and press freedom as well as to rule of law and the protection of human rights in the Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and Culture
Contributing to a debate on “UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity” during the 39th Session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in Paris on November 7, 2017, the Minister highlighted the role played by journalists towards the development of the country.
He said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that journalists experience no official hindrance in the course of their legitimate work.
The Minister also noted that the Nigeria media is acknowledged as one of the freest in the world, and that the Nigeria government does not engage in impunities against journalists and will never tolerate such.
In addition, he described the Freedom of Information Act as a law that enhances media freedom and stated that the government would continue to make efforts to further enable the media to serve the people better.
Alhaji Mohammed said: “This effort is intended not only to produce a robust and healthy media, but for the journalism profession to continue to thrive under a conducive environment.”
“The right to Freedom of Information, commonly understood as the right to access information held by public offices, is now widely recognised in Nigeria as a fundamental human right.
“By this act, the Nigerian Government is doing its utmost best to ensure accountability, transparency and openness.”
The Minster further explained that government had responded to allegations from international organisations, such as UNESCO, on cases relating to acts of violence against journalists, clarifying its position on them.
He reassured the global community that the Nigerian government would remain responsive to the issues of journalists’ safety.
