President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian editors and journalists to engage the government with informed, fair, and balanced criticism, emphasizing the need for the media to act as partners in national development rather than adversaries.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors Annual Conference held in Abuja, President Tinubu stressed that constructive criticism grounded in facts is vital for democracy, but warned against what he described as “uninformed attacks” that could mislead the public or undermine trust in governance.

“The role of the media is indispensable in nation-building,” Tinubu said. “Criticism of government is welcome, but it should be based on knowledge, fairness, and a commitment to truth. Together, we can strengthen our democracy and ensure a better future for our people.”

The President also expressed concern over the rising influence of social media, noting that while it has expanded access to information, it has also enabled the spread of misinformation. He therefore charged professional editors to uphold journalistic integrity and serve as gatekeepers of verified and accurate reporting.

Tinubu restated his government’s support for press freedom, saying journalists play an important role in promoting good governance. The meeting, attended by top officials and media professionals, focused on encouraging responsible journalism in today’s digital era.