Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged international media organizations to adopt a more balanced and accurate approach when reporting on Nigeria. He emphasized that the country has made significant progress and has positive stories to share. Idris made this call during a meeting with a delegation from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Abuja.
The minister acknowledged that Nigeria faces challenges but encouraged the global media to take a more nuanced approach, highlighting the country’s path towards prosperity. He assured the BBC and other foreign media that the Nigerian government is committed to press freedom and has not received any complaints of harassment from international journalists.
Idris praised the BBC for relocating its Hausa Service to Abuja, creating local employment opportunities, and acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the BBC, built on trust and respect spanning over five decades.
The BBC’s Deputy CEO, Jonathan Munro, expressed admiration for Nigeria’s strong audience base, where the BBC reaches over 30 million people weekly, making it the organization’s third-largest market globally. Munro noted the BBC’s expansion into new digital and multimedia platforms and its efforts to broadcast in local languages to reach Nigeria’s diverse population.
The meeting highlighted the importance of balanced reporting and the need for international media organizations to share Nigeria’s positive stories, showcasing the country’s progress and potential.
