Thu Sep 19 06:20:10 UTC 2024: ## US Ambassador and Nigerian Minister Pledge Support for Press Freedom

**Abuja, Nigeria** – The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have reaffirmed their commitment to press freedom in Nigeria and Africa.

During a courtesy visit to the Minister on Wednesday in Abuja, Ambassador Mills highlighted the importance of a free press in a democratic society and acknowledged the challenges posed by disinformation and fake news.

“We have a strong partnership with Nigeria, and we want to continue strengthening our cooperation, including in the area of press freedom,” said Ambassador Mills. “We discussed how we can work together to protect journalists’ rights and ensure a free and independent media.”

Minister Idris expressed his appreciation for the US Embassy’s support and assured the ambassador of the Nigerian government’s dedication to press freedom. He also highlighted the Nigerian press as being “the freest in the world.”

“We recognize the importance of a free press in a thriving democracy,” said Minister Idris. “We are committed to ensuring that all journalists in Nigeria have the freedom to report without fear of reprisal.”

The meeting was attended by key officials from both the US Embassy and the Nigerian Ministry of Information, including the Public Diplomacy Counselor, Mr. Lee McManis, the Spokesman and Press Attaché, Mr. Gilbert Morton, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba-Ndace.

The discussion underscores the shared commitment between the US and Nigeria to uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom and responsible journalism.

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