ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the media’s pivotal role in shaping public perception and encouraging citizen engagement in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at a one-day workshop organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, Idris described the theme, “Re-invigorating the National Anti-corruption Strategy,” as timely and essential, calling for sustained media involvement and responsible journalism.
Represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, the Minister noted that modern leadership demands strategic media engagement and highlighted the importance of media-government partnerships in promoting transparency.
He commended the ICPC Chairman for enhancing institutional visibility through media collaboration.
“In the 21st century, no modern leader can afford not to lead from the front, nor to lead without partnering with the media,” he said.
He described journalists as loyal institutional allies whose commitment to professional excellence counters misinformation and strengthens national discourse. He also cautioned against the spread of fake news, urging journalists to uphold ethical standards in an age of unverified social media content.
“We are in an age of noise, misinformation and disinformation. But professionals like those gathered here remain the buffers who ensure credible information prevails,” he said.
Idris outlined the Ministry’s five-pillar communication agenda: restoring public trust, amplifying government policies, reorienting national values, modernising technology and fostering innovation in the media ecosystem.
He encouraged journalists to continue partnering with government agencies, describing them as “the easiest people to relate with” and loyal when valued.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), in his welcome address, called for deeper collaboration between the media and anti-graft institutions. He described the media as a powerful force for accountability and transparency.
Aliyu said the workshop builds on an earlier engagement held in October 2024 and praised the NUJ for its commitment to professionalism and truth.
He noted the workshop was not merely a discussion forum but a strategic platform for generating practical ideas and strengthening cooperation ahead of the next phase of Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
“The media remains one of the most powerful instruments in the fight against corruption. As journalists, you are not merely observers — you are watchdogs, agenda-setters and catalysts for reform,” he said.
“Your role in investigating and exposing corruption, amplifying citizens’ voices and holding public officials accountable is indispensable. Without a vibrant, responsible and ethical press, the anti-corruption fight risks losing one of its strongest pillars.”
Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, in his goodwill message, underscored the media’s role in promoting transparency and public accountability. Represented by the Committee Clerk, Umenike Uboh, he described the media as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” with the power to influence and mobilise society.
He urged stakeholders to forge stronger alliances and develop actionable strategies to shift Nigeria’s narrative from scepticism to collective responsibility.
Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Mohammad Ali, represented by his Special Assistant on Editorial Matters, Mr Ephraim Sheyin, said journalists are well-positioned to tackle corruption, given their constitutional role and history of investigative reporting.
Ali highlighted challenges such as inadequate whistle-blower protections, threats to personal safety and limited access to information, urging journalists to navigate these hurdles in the anti-corruption crusade.
Also speaking, the Director-General of VON pledged the agency’s continued collaboration with anti-corruption institutions to amplify messages promoting transparency and accountability both locally and internationally.
Ndace reaffirmed VON’s role as a dependable ICPC partner and encouraged stakeholders to leverage the agency’s multilingual broadcasting capabilities and other publicly funded media platforms to promote accountability.
The event brought together NUJ Council Chairmen and stakeholders from across the country. (NAN).
