VICE PRESIDENT Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to upholding press freedom and supporting the journalism profession in Nigeria.
News Point Nigeria reports that Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday when he hosted the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its President, Alhassan Abdullahi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Describing the media as the “lifewire of the nation” and “the conscience of democracy,” Shettima said the Tinubu administration considers the press an indispensable partner in national development.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years,” Shettima said.
“I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the lifewire of the nation, we can’t afford to muzzle you.”
The Vice President highlighted President Tinubu’s long-standing record of supporting media freedom and journalists, recalling that Tinubu has been one of the strongest defenders of press independence since his days as a newspaper owner and pro-democracy advocate.
“President Tinubu has always been a friend of the press and will not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of journalism in Nigeria,” Shettima assured.
He, however, urged journalists to continue to uphold professionalism, ethics, and fairness, noting that both government and citizens expect much from the media in holding leaders accountable and strengthening governance.
“Journalists, like the judiciary, play a crucial role in adjudicating issues of governance and ensuring accountability in public life,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima acknowledged the financial challenges facing many media houses, including the inability of some to pay staff salaries and benefits, promising that the Tinubu administration would explore ways to support the sector.
“We are aware of the struggles faced by the Nigerian media industry. Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organisation. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,” he said.
The Vice President also defended the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, saying the decisions were made in the overall national interest to reposition the economy for long-term growth and prosperity.
Earlier in his remarks, NUJ President Alhassan Abdullahi commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts toward economic recovery but urged the government to take bolder steps in safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists from harassment and criminal prosecution.
He called on the Federal Government to review colonial-era laws, particularly sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that criminalise libel, and to decriminalise journalism practices in line with global standards.
“We urge your office to take a firm stance in defending press freedom and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty,” Abdullahi said.
The NUJ also requested the government to develop a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to prevent harm to media professionals while on duty.
Additionally, Abdullahi proposed the creation of a Media Support Framework, which would include training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and targeted bailouts for struggling media organisations.
He further called for a Permanent Government–Media Liaison Platform under the Office of the Vice President to foster regular engagement, clarify government policies, and reduce misinformation.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the NUJ’s partnership with the government, stressing that while the press will continue to hold power accountable, it also recognises the importance of collaboration in nation-building.
“We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narrative that the media must be antagonistic to government,” he said.
“Just as we call out government when necessary, we will also be ready to applaud when things are done right.”
The NUJ President commended President Tinubu for his bold reforms and tangible support for key sectors despite economic headwinds, noting that the union remains committed to working with the government to strengthen democracy, transparency, and development.
In closing, Vice President Shettima reiterated that the government values the role of journalists in safeguarding democracy, insisting that “no democracy can thrive without a vibrant and independent press.”
“Past generations of Nigerian leaders, from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo — were first journalists before they became political leaders,” Shettima reminded.
“That tradition of courageous journalism must never die. This administration stands firmly with the media.”