The National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), Nigeria’s media ombudsman, has received praise from the federal government for its exhaustive and unbiased investigation into a Daily Trust report about the Samoa Agreement.
The report was found to be false, deceptive, and in violation of the Nigerian Journalists’ Code of Ethics by the NMCC.
According to the federal government, the verdict underlines the importance of journalistic integrity and responsibility, stressing the media’s vital role in shaping public perception through factual reporting.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, via special assistant Rabiu Ibrahim, expressed the commendation in a statement released on Tuesday, September 24.
The government highlighted the public’s expectation for news outlets to adhere closely to professional ethics, ensuring that their reporting is true, fair, and balanced. By doing so, negative reporting like that of Daily Trust can be avoided in the future.
While the federal government respects the press’s crucial role in a democratic society, it also underscores that with this freedom comes the obligation to produce factual news devoid of misinformation.
“The public expects that news outlets will adhere strictly to professional ethics and conduct by ensuring that their reportage is factual, fair, and balanced. This way, injurious reporting such as the one done by Daily Trust could be effectively avoided.
“The federal government recognizes that a free press is a pillar of democracy but with this freedom comes the responsibility to report news in a manner that is accurate and devoid of misinformation. It is only through this commitment to truth that the media can effectively hold the government and institutions accountable.
“The federal government appreciates the recommendations made by the NMCC, including the directive to Daily Trust to issue a public apology for its false report on the Samoa Agreement and take measures to prevent future occurrences.
“The call for increased transparency and proactive information dissemination by Federal Government institutions is duly noted, and steps will be taken to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about matters of public interest.
“The federal government is committed to fostering an environment where the media thrives while also remaining accountable to the ethical standards of the profession. We call on all media organizations to continue to uphold these standards and work collaboratively in the dissemination of accurate information, which is essential for a well-informed and active citizenry.
“Let this ruling by the National Media Complaints Commission against Daily Trust serve as a benchmark for journalistic excellence, and also strengthen the bonds between the media, the government, and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
