President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to prioritise the national interest in their reporting, warning that irresponsible coverage of terrorism and insecurity could undermine national security and democratic progress.

Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Corps Dinner in Abuja on Thursday, the President cautioned media organisations against becoming “megaphones” for terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups, stressing that the press has a responsibility to promote national unity while remaining committed to truth and professionalism.

Tinubu said that while his administration remained committed to upholding constitutional rights, freedom of expression and press freedom must be exercised responsibly.

“You and I promise one another that we must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do,” he said.

The President noted that as security agencies intensify efforts against terrorism and kidnapping, the media should avoid inadvertently advancing the objectives of criminal groups seeking to destabilise the country.

He also urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and professionalism, warning against the spread of misinformation and sensational reporting.

“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clickbait. Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead,” he said.

Tinubu maintained that the Cybercrimes Act was intended to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods and digital abuse, not to weaken press freedom.

On the economy, the President said his administration’s reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing improved public revenue, foreign reserves above $50 billion, renewed investor confidence and increased investment in the oil and gas sector.

He also said security operations had intensified, leading to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and other criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of communities previously occupied by armed groups.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring every Nigerian can live and prosper in a secure environment.

The dinner was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; ministers; senior government officials; and members of the State House Press Corps.

During the event, several distinguished Nigerians received awards for their contributions to national development, while the Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Emmanuel Anule, appealed for the dinner to become an annual engagement between the Presidency and journalists covering the State House.