GOMEP-NG Seeks Stronger Federal Government Partnership on National Security, Media Policy Reforms
ABUJA – The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Government to promote responsible online journalism, strengthen national security, combat misinformation, and improve the dissemination of credible information across the country.
The call was made following a high-level meeting between the leadership of the Guild and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in Abuja. The meeting focused on building a sustainable partnership between government institutions and online media organizations to enhance public communication, promote ethical journalism, and support national development.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, and the National Secretary, Clinton Uba, the Guild emphasized the need for regular engagement between the Federal Government and digital media stakeholders. According to the communiqué, such collaboration would help improve public access to timely and verified information while strengthening efforts to curb the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
The Guild noted that with the rapid expansion of digital media platforms, online publishers have become major drivers of public discourse and information dissemination. It stressed that government policies relating to the media should reflect the realities of the evolving digital landscape by recognizing the growing role of online news platforms in shaping public opinion and supporting democratic governance.
GOMEP-NG urged the Federal Government to include the Guild in ongoing media policy reforms, consultations, and strategic communication initiatives. It maintained that the experience and expertise of online editors and publishers would contribute significantly to the development of policies that encourage responsible journalism while safeguarding press freedom and the public’s right to access accurate information.
The Guild further highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting national security. It stated that professional journalism can help counter false narratives, discourage the spread of harmful content, and provide citizens with verified information during emergencies and security-related incidents. According to the communiqué, stronger collaboration between government agencies and credible online media organizations would enhance public confidence and improve crisis communication across the country.
GOMEP-NG also expressed its readiness to partner with state governments in developing effective communication strategies that will strengthen grassroots security awareness, encourage citizens to cooperate with security agencies through intelligence sharing, and promote peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, professionalism, and adherence to global best practices, the Guild pledged to continue promoting accuracy, fairness, and balanced reporting in all its publications. It added that responsible online journalism remains essential to protecting Nigeria’s democratic values, promoting transparency, and holding public institutions accountable.
The Guild concluded by expressing optimism that a closer working relationship between the Federal Government and online media practitioners would strengthen public trust in information dissemination, improve policy communication, support good governance, and contribute to lasting peace, national security, and sustainable development across Nigeria.