Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the Nigerian media for their commitment to truth and accountability in the face of foreign information manipulation and interference. Speaking at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Press Institute, Nigeria, Shettima acknowledged the crucial role the media plays in safeguarding democratic accountability.

Nigeria boasts one of the most vibrant media communities globally, according to Shettima. He praised the media for consistently defending the public’s right to know, confronting misinformation, and correcting national confusion. The Vice President emphasized that this responsibility is crucial and should not be taken for granted.

Shettima highlighted the media’s stance against disinformation and their refusal to succumb to foreign manipulation as a proud moment for Nigerian journalism. He distinguished the majority of journalists who prioritize ethics and objectivity from those who spread falsehoods and unverified data.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of ethics in journalism, stating that without it, the profession becomes a dictatorship of text and airwaves where truth is distorted. He noted that the media’s sacred duty is to save democracy by observing power with integrity and shielding institutions from excesses.

Shettima acknowledged the complex relationship between journalists and politicians but emphasized the need for a friendship rooted in openness. He recognized the media’s indispensability and the impossibility of suppressing them permanently in Nigeria. The Vice President committed to creating an environment where truth can thrive without obstruction and where journalists can work without harassment or intimidation.

The conference, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria,” provided a platform for discussions on the challenges facing the media and the importance of press freedom in a democratic society. As the Nigerian government continues to navigate the complexities of media relations, Shettima’s comments underscore the need for collaboration and mutual respect between the media and politicians to ensure the integrity of democratic institutions.