NiDCOM RESPONDS ON APOLOGY FROM DABIRI-EREWA, OVER REMARKS ON JOURNALISM

PRESS STATEMENT:

NiDCOM RESPONDS ON APOLOGY FROM DABIRI-EREWA, OVER REMARKS ON JOURNALISM

Abuja, Oct. 15, 2026

The attention of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has been drawn to a statement by Mr Livinus Chibuike Victor, demanding a public apology from Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, over remarks she reportedly made concerning the state of journalism in Nigeria.

NiDCOM respects the right of every journalist, media practitioner and member of the public to respond to statements made by public officials. Constructive criticism is welcome, and the Commission does not seek to diminish the vital role of the Nigerian media in democracy, accountability and national development.

However, it is important to place the reported remarks in their proper context. During a panel discussion in Lagos, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa criticised specific incidents of inaccurate reporting and the misrepresentation of her response to a social-media post. She also expressed concern about declining professional standards, stating that “some journalism is going to the dogs” and that there were no longer adequate standards or values in certain practices.

Her comments were directed at irresponsible journalism and the failure to verify facts before publication, not at Nigerian journalists as a whole, nor at the noble profession of journalism itself. To present them as a blanket condemnation of all media practitioners is, therefore, a misreading of both her words and her intention.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s record in the media is well known. As a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), she earned national recognition as a presenter and anchor of Newsline. She subsequently served in the House of Representatives, where she sponsored a bill intended to enhance the practice of journalism through stronger professional standards and self-regulation.

That bill was met with intense opposition, and Hon. Dabiri-Erewa was, in many quarters, virtually attacked for attempting to advance a framework that would have strengthened the profession. The proposal sought to create an environment in which journalism could be practised with recognised qualifications, ethical safeguards and institutional accountability.

Had that bill been adopted and properly implemented, journalism in Nigeria would today be a more structured, better regulated and more widely respected profession. It would have provided practitioners with clearer standards, stronger protection and a credible system of self-regulation, while preserving the independence essential to a free press.

NiDCOM therefore rejects the suggestion that Hon. Dabiri-Erewa lacks regard for journalists or seeks to discredit the media. Her intervention arose from personal experience, a longstanding interest in the welfare of the profession and concern that unverified claims can cause serious reputational harm, inflame ethnic tensions and erode public trust.

At the same time, NiDCOM acknowledges that Nigerian journalists often work under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Many continue to investigate wrongdoing, ask difficult questions and give voice to marginalised communities with courage and professionalism. These contributions deserve recognition, and the Commission remains committed to respectful, constructive engagement with the media.

The appropriate response to concerns about media standards is not a demand for apology over a candid observation, but a renewed national conversation on fact-checking, editorial responsibility, journalist welfare, press freedom and sustainable self-regulation. NiDCOM is ready to contribute to that conversation in a manner that strengthens, rather than weakens, the Nigerian media.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa stands by her concern for responsible journalism. She also reaffirms her respect for the countless journalists who uphold the highest standards of the profession, often at great personal cost.

Signed:

Abdur-Rahman Balogun. Director: Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM