FG Urges BBC, Foreign Media to Uphold Accuracy and Fairness in Reporting

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and other international media outlets to adhere strictly to principles of accuracy, balance, fairness, and objectivity in their reportage on Nigerian affairs.

This appeal was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a meeting with a delegation from the BBC at his office in Abuja.

Idris emphasized the importance of ethical journalism, urging foreign media to not only focus on negative stories but also highlight positive developments within the country.

"I want to share with you the commitment of the Nigerian Government to every news gathering organization.

Our commitment is that we want to stay as focused and unbiased and as free as possible," he stated.

The minister reiterated the Tinubu administration's dedication to upholding press freedom, ensuring that media operators can work without hindrance. However, he stressed that this freedom comes with the responsibility of ethical reporting.

"The thrust of the policy of the Tinubu administration is that every news organization has the freedom to practice the profession, and I am happy you didn’t report to us any of your staff who has been molested or under any kind of pressure from the Nigerian government," Idris added.

In addition to discussing media ethics, the meeting also touched on data collection and processing practices by various entities.

The collected data includes IP addresses, browsing behaviors, user data, and device information, with cookie durations varying widely.

Some entities use alternative storage methods and sophisticated data processing techniques for personalized advertising and content creation.

Idris commended the BBC for relocating its Hausa Service studio to Abuja and initiating capacity-building programs for local journalists, which he believes will contribute to more balanced and comprehensive coverage of Nigerian issues.