The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the media play a critical role in shaping public perception and driving citizen participation in the fight against corruption.

The minister said this 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 on Thursday.

He described the theme of the engagement, “Re-invigorating the National Anti-corruption Strategy,”as timely and critical, requiring sustained media engagement and responsible journalism.

The minister, represented by the director-general of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, said that modern leadership required strategic engagement with the media.

He underscored the critical role of media-government partnerships in promoting transparency and combating corruption in the country.

He commended the ICPC chairman for strengthening transparency and institutional visibility through media partnership.

“In the 21st century, no modern leader can afford not to lead from the front, and no modern leader can afford to lead without partnering with the media,” he said.

He described journalists as some of the most loyal partners any institution could have, stressing that their commitment to professional excellence helps counter misinformation and strengthen national discourse.

He also warned against the growing challenge of fake news and misinformation.

 The minister urged journalists to uphold professional standards in an era where social media platforms enabled unverified information to circulate widely.

He said, “We are in an age of noise, misinformation and disinformation, but professionals like those gathered here remain the buffers who ensure that credible information prevails.”

He stated that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s five-pillar communication agenda focused on restoring public trust, amplifying government policies, reorienting national values, modernising technology and building innovation within the media ecosystem.

He urged journalists to continue partnering with government agencies, noting that journalists are “the easiest people to relate with” and loyal when valued and carried along.

The Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his address of welcome called for stronger collaboration between the media and anti-graft institutions

He said the media remained one of the most powerful forces in holding leaders accountable and safeguarding transparency in governance.

Mr Aliyu described the meeting as a continuation of institutional dialogue aimed at strengthening the partnership between anti-corruption agencies and the media.

He recalled that the workshop followed an earlier engagement held in October 2024 and commended the NUJ for its sustained commitment to professionalism and truth in journalism.

Mr Aliyu said the workshop was designed not merely as a discussion forum but as a strategic platform for generating practical ideas and strengthening institutional cooperation ahead of the next phase of Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

He said that journalists occupied a pivotal position in shaping national accountability and civic responsibility.

“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.

“Your role in investigating and exposing corruption, amplifying citizens’ voices and holding public officials accountable is indispensable.

“Indeed, without a vibrant, responsible and ethical press, the anti-corruption fight risks losing one of its strongest pillars,” he said.

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Mohammad Ali, in his goodwill message said that journalists had a crucial role to play in the nation’s fight against corruption.

Represented by his Special Assistant on Editorial Matters, Ephraim Sheyin, Mr Ali said journalists were well-positioned to tackle corruption, given their constitutional role and history of investigative reporting.

Mr Ali highlighted challenges facing journalists to include inadequate whistle-blower protections, threats of personal harm, and restricted access to information.

He urged journalists to navigate those challenges to succeed in the anti-corruption crusade

Also speaking, the director-general of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, pledged the agency’s collaboration with anti-corruption institutions to amplify messages promoting transparency and accountability both within Nigeria and internationally.

Mr Ndace said that the agency remained a dependable partner of the ICPC in advancing the anti-corruption agenda and fostering a culture of integrity.

He highlighted the VON’s multilingual broadcasting capabilities, offering the platform to stakeholders, and urged them to leverage the agency and other public media institutions, funded by taxpayers, to promote accountability.

The event brought together NUJ council chairmen and stakeholders from across the nation.

(NAN)