NMCC Receives Complaint from FG against Daily Trust Newspaper

The National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), also known as the Ombudsman, has received a formal complaint from the Federal Government against the Daily Trust newspaper. The complaint alleges that the newspaper published an article on July 4, 2024, containing false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.

The complaint, dated July 8, 2024, and signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on behalf of Information Minister Alhaji Mohammed Idris, claims that the article titled “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal” falsely reported that the government had endorsed a European Union (EU) partnership agreement with the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). The article suggested that the agreement included clauses compelling Nigeria to support LGBTQ+ rights.

The government described the report as “false and misleading,” adding that the publication has led to hate speech, threats, intimidation, and cyberbullying against individuals and government officials across social media.

The Federal Government has asked the NMCC to:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged misleading publication.
• Direct the newspaper’s management to publicly retract and correct the alleged false information with the same prominence as the original article.
• Direct the newspaper’s management to issue an unequivocal apology for allegedly disseminating false information.
• Implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent the recurrence of such reports.

The NMCC acknowledged receipt of the complaint with a letter dated July 10, 2024, signed by its Interim Secretary, Mr. Feyi Smith. The Commission assured the Ministry that the complaint is being addressed and that the outcome will be communicated to the government. The NMCC will also contact the management of Daily Trust for their response.

As an independent media regulatory body, the NMCC is committed to promoting media adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, while ensuring that the media operate in a free and unfettered environment. The NMCC has commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations and assures the public that the inquiry will be thorough and impartial. The Commission looks forward to the full cooperation of all parties involved and pledges transparency throughout the process.