The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged international media outlets to focus more on the positive developments emerging from the country rather than solely highlighting negative news.
This call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during his visit to the BBC headquarters in London. The visit forms part of the broader efforts by the ministry to engage with both foreign and local media organisations, according to a statement from Idris’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, released on Tuesday.
During discussions with senior BBC executives, including Jonathan Munro, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BBC News and Director of the BBC World Service, Idris underscored the importance of international media understanding the socio-political and cultural contexts of the regions they cover.
“The media plays a crucial role in shaping narratives, fostering understanding, and driving development,” Idris stated. “Media houses with global reach have a responsibility to deepen their understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural characteristics of the societies they report on.”
While praising the BBC’s longstanding role in covering Nigeria’s political landscape, Idris called for more balanced reporting. He urged the BBC to highlight the country’s achievements and progress, particularly by focusing on stories that inspire hope and showcase positive developments.
“Nigeria has a vibrant youth population with an exceptional drive to seize positive opportunities, even in the face of significant challenges,” Idris said. “This is a narrative that deserves more emphasis.”
The minister also addressed the growing threat of misinformation and fake news, which he described as a major challenge for both Nigerian youth and their counterparts worldwide. He encouraged the BBC to enhance its efforts to combat these threats and to collaborate with international partners to ensure a credible and responsible media environment.
Idris commended the BBC for its expansion of language services in Nigeria, including broadcasts in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin. He noted that these initiatives have not only improved information dissemination but also created employment and training opportunities for Nigerians.
