*Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, says deepening the mutual understanding between Nigeria and the BBC World Service as part of a bridge-building, cooperation efforts between his Ministry, foreign and local media houses for fostering understanding and a more informed society

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal of Nigeria has said deepening the mutual understanding between Nigeria and the BBC World Service is critical to a more informed society.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, noted this during a recent working visit to the British Broadcasting Corporation Headquarters, in London, United Kingdom (UK).

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, in a statement Tuesday, Monday, August 27, 2024, said Idris鈥檚 visit to the BBC was part of a bridge-building and cooperation efforts between Nigeria鈥檚 Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and foreign and local media houses.

At a meeting with the BBC鈥檚 top Management, headed by Mr. Jonathan Munro, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BBC News and Director of the BBC World Service, Idris canvassed for fostering understanding as a key element in driving development.

The Minister also stated: 鈥淭he media plays an indispensable role in shaping the right narratives, fostering understanding, and driving development, and as such, it is incumbent on media houses with global reach to deepen their understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural characteristics of the societies on which they report.鈥�

He as well underscored the vital role the BBC plays as a longstanding narrator of the Nigerian political journey.

Idris said it was important for the BBC to balance its reporting on Nigeria by highlighting the progress and successes of the country and adopting deliberate content that inspires hope for a brighter future.

He further noted: ”Nigeria has a flourishing youth population with uncommon zeal to take positive opportunities even in the face of immense challenges, a situation that warrants more emphasis on positive outcomes in Nigeria.鈥�

One of the key challenges among youths in Nigeria and the world over, the Minister explained, is the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, which he said hinders progress and erodes trust between government and the people.

The Minister, therefore, urged the BBC to further strengthen mechanisms for addressing the aforementioned challenges by also working in concert with its foreign partners to combat these threats and ensure the media ecosystems remain credible and responsible.

Idris applauded the BBC for expanding its operational reach in Nigeria by creating more language options in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin.

The development has helped in the cascading of information and the employment and training of many more Nigerians, stated he.