Media’s Mighty Role: Shaping perception, fighting corruption

The media stands as a formidable force in shaping national perceptions, driving accountability, and influencing the nation’s direction, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

This assertion was made during the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Media Outreach Programme held in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The event, themed “The Role of Media in the Fight Against Corruption: Issues and Challenges,” saw the Minister, ably represented by Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah emphasize the media’s critical function.

“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,” the Minister stated.

The Tinubu administration, he highlighted, has taken decisive measures to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, positioning Nigeria as responsible global player in the fight against financial crimes.
Reforms have significantly bolstered the country’s financial intelligence systems, enhanced the monitoring of suspicious transactions, and improved compliance with international AML/CFT standards.

Key institutions, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, have played a crucial role in improving coordination and enforcement.

Stronger collaboration among various agencies has demonstrably increased the capacity to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes.
Furthermore, reforms within the financial sector, backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, fostering greater transparency and rebuilding confidence in the economy.

Regionally, Nigeria continues its close collaboration with partners such as the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, reinforcing a shared commitment to combating cross-border financial crimes.

The government’s focus on digitalization and accountability is actively closing loopholes that previously allowed corruption to flourish.
Despite these advancements, the Minister acknowledged several challenges confronting the media, including the intricate nature of financial crime reporting, misinformation, limited resources, and safety concerns for journalists.

“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 urged.

Idris called upon journalists to develop expertise in specialized reporting areas and uphold rigorous ethical standards.
He assured the media of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s continued support through public enlightenment initiatives and facilitating 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 concluded.

The programme’s organizers received commendation from Idris for facilitating such vital engagements, instrumentally strengthening cooperation, advancing the anti-corruption agenda across the country and the broader West African region.