Samoa Agreement: FG Commends NMCC’s Ruling Against Daily Trust

The Federal Government has commended the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), the Nigerian media Ombudsman, for its impartial and thorough investigation of the Samoa Agreement report published by the Daily Trust newspaper.

The investigation concluded that Daily Trust’s report on the Samoa Agreement was inaccurate, misleading, and not in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, underscored the significance of upholding journalistic integrity and the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception through precise and unbiased reporting.

The Federal Government emphasized the importance of news outlets adhering rigorously to professional standards to ensure accurate, equitable, and impartial reporting.

“The public expects that news outlets will adhere strictly to professional ethics and conduct by ensuring that their reportage is factual, fair, and balanced.

“This way, injurious reporting such as the one done by Daily Trust could be effectively avoided.

“The Federal Government recognises that a free press is a pillar of democracy but with this freedom comes the responsibility to report news in a manner that is accurate and devoid of misinformation. It is only through this commitment to truth that the media can effectively hold the government and institutions accountable,” the statement said.

Mohammed expressed that the ruling made by the National Media Complaints Commission against Daily Trust should be regarded as a standard for journalistic excellence.

He added that the ruling should work to fortify the relationships between the media, the government, and the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government appreciates the recommendations made by the NMCC, including the directive to Daily Trust to issue a public apology for its false report on the Samoa Agreement and take measures to prevent recurrence.

“The call for increased transparency and proactive information dissemination by Federal Government institutions is duly noted, and steps will be taken to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about matters of public interest,” the statement added.

On July 4, 2024, the front page of the Daily Trust featured an article titled “LGBT: Nigeria signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal,” disclosing the endorsement by the Federal Government of a partnership agreement with the European Union known as the Samoa Agreement.

In response, the Federal Government submitted a 19-page report to the NMCC on the Daily Trust Samoa Agreement report, deeming it a misleading news item.

Lantana Nasir