President Tinubu calls on Nigerian journalists to favor substance over sensationalism

President Bola Tinubu addressed the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja, urging Nigerian media to place the national interest above sensational reporting. He warned that irresponsible coverage could amplify terrorists and criminal groups, saying the press must resist becoming a "megaphone" for those seeking to destabilise the country. Tinubu stressed that freedom of speech and press freedom remain essential to democracy, but those rights carry responsibilities, especially amid Nigeria’s security challenges and the fight against misinformation, deep‑fakes and fake news.

He highlighted the administration’s economic progress, noting stabilising finances, rising foreign reserves above $50 billion and renewed investor confidence in the oil and gas sector. Tinubu framed the media as a critical partner in national development, emphasizing that while the relationship may be adversarial in a democratic sense, it is also indispensable for accountability and the health of the nation’s democracy.