Government calls on journalists to intensify campaign against graft

The Federal Government has underscored the media's pivotal role in molding national perceptions and promoting accountability, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasizing this point at the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Media Outreach Programme in Abuja.

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Idris made these remarks, as stated in a Tuesday statement signed by his Special Assistant, Rabiu Ibrahim, at an event themed “The Role of Media in the Fight Against Corruption: Issues and Challenges,” which drew stakeholders and was attended in his stead by Dr Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Press Council.

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The Minister posited that the media wields significant influence, shaping societal perceptions, driving accountability, and informing national direction through diligent reporting, investigative journalism, and public enlightenment, thereby empowering citizens and bolstering the anti-corruption effort.

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According to Idris, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken concerted steps to tackle corruption and illicit financial flows, with Nigeria seeking to establish itself as a responsible actor in the global fight against financial crimes.

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He noted that reforms have bolstered financial intelligence systems, enhanced monitoring of suspicious transactions, and improved compliance with global Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing standards, with key institutions like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit strengthening coordination and enforcement.

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Idris added that financial sector reforms, supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, are fostering greater transparency and restoring confidence in the economy, while Nigeria continues to collaborate with regional partners, such as the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, to combat cross-border financial crimes.

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The Minister highlighted the government's focus on digitalisation and accountability as a means of closing gaps that previously enabled corruption to flourish, but also identified challenges facing the media, including the complexity of financial crime reporting and safety concerns.

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Idris stressed the need for collective action to address these challenges, advocating for strengthened collaboration between government institutions and the media, investment in capacity building for journalists, and timely access to accurate information.

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He urged journalists to develop specialized reporting skills and maintain high ethical standards, assuring that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to support the media in this endeavor.

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Idris emphasized that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation between the government and the media to build a Nigeria where transparency and accountability prevail, and corruption is eradicated.

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The Minister commended the programme's organizers, recognizing the importance of such engagements in fostering cooperation and advancing the anti-corruption agenda in Nigeria and the wider West African region.