By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged broadcasters to uphold accuracy, fairness and professional ethics in their coverage as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Idris made the call at the 3rd Annual National Conference of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, SNB.
The minister said the extensive reach of broadcasting platforms placed a responsibility on practitioners to ensure that information disseminated to the public is accurate, verified and presented within the appropriate context.
He, however, stressed that responsible broadcasting should not be mistaken for favourable coverage, noting that the media must continue to question government, political parties, candidates and public institutions.
“Responsible broadcasting, however, should never be interpreted as favourable broadcasting. A professional media must continue to question government, political parties, candidates and public institutions. It must investigate, scrutinise and hold those in positions of responsibility to account,” he said.
Idris urged broadcasters to clearly distinguish between facts, allegations, opinions and unverified claims, particularly as artificial intelligence and social media platforms have increased the speed at which false and manipulated information can circulate.
He said verification should remain central to newsroom practice, rather than being treated as an occasional procedure.
“Verification cannot be treated as an occasional newsroom procedure; it must remain at the heart of professional broadcasting,” the minister said.
He further cautioned journalist against hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation and the deliberate spread of false information during the 2027 electoral period.
According to him, while political competition is fundamental to democracy, it should not become a trigger for incitement or the spread of divisive content.
Idris also highlighted Federal Government investments in the broadcasting sector, including the Digital Switch Over platform and the modernisation of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN and VON.
“The future of broadcasting will be shaped by technology, but its credibility will continue to depend on people,” he said.
The minister called on the SNB and other broadcasters to strengthen professional training, improve election reporting and deepen verification mechanisms to counter AI-generated misinformation, adding that maintaining public trust would require broadcasters to combine technological innovation with strong professional standards as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
