Shettima Reaffirms Tinubu’s Support for Press Freedom

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to press freedom, describing President Bola Tinubu as a strong supporter of the media and its independence.

Shettima made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Press Council (NPC), led by its Executive Secretary, Dili Ezughah, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

According to the Vice President, the Tinubu administration in the past three years has sustained a system that allows journalists to operate freely without intimidation. He noted that the president’s long-standing relationship with the media, including personal support to media organisations in the past, reflects his belief in press independence.

Shettima said that the administration’s tolerance of criticism, including harsh public commentary, showcases its commitment to democratic freedoms and stability.

“The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources, with newsprint and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher. So, he knows the ecosystem very well and believes in the press’s independence.

“For the past three years, have you heard of any harassment of journalists? His tolerance threshold is so high that people who are making incendiary remarks are allowed to have their day, for peace to reign in the country,” he added.

The Vice President also pledged the government’s backing for a proposed national publication by the Press Council, titled “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT.”

He said the government would work to secure support from state governors, noting that subnational governments play a critical role in driving development.

Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the initiative would boost visibility for Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors. She stressed that properly documenting the country’s cultural and economic assets is key to attracting investment and strengthening global recognition.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau, representing Governor Bala Mohammed, said the project could benefit all states by showcasing their unique tourism potential if fully implemented.

Ezughah, in his remarks, said the publication aims to showcase Nigeria’s economic and tourism strengths and sought the Vice President’s guidance and support to advance the initiative.