By Chinwendu Agoha (Media & Governance Correspondent)
Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the media remains a powerful force in shaping national perceptions and driving accountability.
He stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Media Outreach Programme with the theme, “The Role of Media in the Fight Against Corruption: Issues and Challenges.”
The Minister, represented at the event by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, said, “The media is not just an observer in society; it is a powerful force that shapes perception, drives accountability, and influences national direction. Through accurate reporting, investigative journalism, and sustained public enlightenment, the media empowers citizens and strengthens the fight against corruption.”
He stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken deliberate steps to address corruption and illicit financial flows, noting that Nigeria is positioning itself as a responsible player in the global fight against financial crimes.
According to him, reforms have strengthened the country’s financial intelligence systems, improved monitoring of suspicious transactions, and enhanced compliance with global Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing standards.
The Minister highlighted the role of key institutions, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in improving coordination and enforcement, adding that stronger collaboration among agencies has increased the ability to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes.
He also noted that reforms in the financial sector, supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, are improving transparency and restoring confidence in the economy.
“At the regional level, Nigeria continues to work closely with partners such as the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, reinforcing our shared commitment to combating cross-border financial crimes,” he said.
Idris explained that the government’s focus on digitalisation and accountability is helping to close gaps that previously allowed corruption to thrive. He, however, acknowledged challenges facing the media, including the complexity of financial crime reporting, misinformation, limited resources, and safety concerns.
“These challenges underscore the need for collective action. We must strengthen collaboration between government institutions and the media, invest in capacity building for journalists, and ensure timely access to accurate and credible information,” he said.
He urged journalists to build capacity in specialised reporting areas and maintain high ethical standards. He also assured that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to support the media through public enlightenment and access to information.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. The government and the media cannot do it alone. But together, we can build a Nigeria where transparency is the norm, accountability is demanded, and corruption has no place to hide,” the Minister said.
Idris commended the programme's organisers, noting that such engagements are important for strengthening cooperation and advancing the anti-corruption agenda in Nigeria and the wider West African region. NNL.
