The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged the media to help in correcting the negative narrative about the country.

Mr Idris made the call at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

The conference, with the theme “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion, and Digital Security,” was organised by IBAN.

The minister said the theme speaks directly to Nigeria’s present realities and shows the crucial role the media must continue to play in shaping a stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

“We must also address an emerging and troubling trend, which is the attempt by some international actors and interest groups to label Nigeria as a country of religious intolerance,” said Mr Idris.

The minister maintained that the Christian genocide claims by the U.S. were “false, divisive, and built on misinformation,” adding that Nigeria is one of the most religiously diverse countries.

“Any report or index suggesting otherwise is not only inaccurate but designed to sow suspicion and undermine national unity.

“This is where IBAN and the broader broadcast community must stand tall. You must collectively raise your voices to denounce these misleading narratives.

“You must help the world understand Nigeria as it truly is; not through the distorted lens of external agendas, but through factual, balanced, and context-rich reporting,” he said.

Mr Idris further explained that the conference was being held at a time when the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu were beginning to yield measurable and reassuring results.

Stating that it is heartwarming that inflation has dropped to a three-year low of 16 per cent, he said prices have recorded a sustained reduction, thereby bringing relief to households.

On the recent kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, Mr Idris said Mr Tinubu had given a direct order to the military high command to leave no stone unturned in rescuing the girls safely and reuniting them with their families.

“Just yesterday, another major milestone was recorded with the conviction of a top ISWAP commander, Hussaini Ismaila, who received a 20-year prison sentence after confessing to several acts of terrorism.

“His conviction represents the growing success of our intelligence, investigation, and prosecution capabilities. It is strong evidence that those who terrorise Nigeria will face justice swiftly and decisively,” Mr Idris said.

Also speaking, the chairman of IBAN, Tijjani Ramalan, revealed that Mr Idris had approved a tripartite meeting among the Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria (ARCON), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and IBAN.

“The intention is to develop regulations geared towards enhancing the survival of the broadcast media sector,” Mr Ramalan said.

Similarly, the chairman of the organising committee, Raymond Dokpesi jnr, urged support for IBAN to enable it to continue telling Nigerian stories.

(NAN)