By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on the media signed with the People’s Republic of China.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris stated this when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yun Dun Hia paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.
Idris expressed appreciation for the special treatment granted to President Bola Tinubu at Beijing during the conference of All African Countries and China, where about 53 countries participated.
“We intend to, as a country, continue to keep that respect that exists between our countries, especially since the elevation of the relationship to the comprehensive level that the two of us have had.
“China and Nigeria now have a bilateral level, a very comprehensive level of relationship, meaning that we have taken it to the highest level possible. And this has also led to signing of about ten MOUs in Beijing.
“Two of those MOUs are actually related to some agencies in this ministry; Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
“NTA is the largest television network in the whole of Africa, reaching over 200 million people.
“What NTA seeks to do in that relationship with China is to share not just news items, but also technology and also information sharing that will benefit both countries.
“And we intend to do that. We also have the same thing with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria which is one of the largest radio networks in Africa,” Idris said.
Idris further explained that the two MOUs have already been signed, adding that Nigeria is committed and intends to keep its own part of those agreements.
“So you can be assured that whatever is our part in those MOUs that have been signed, Nigeria will definitely keep its place,” he said.
According to the Minister, it is important that all countries respect the right information that they give out to people.
“Misinformation, fake news, disinformation are a danger to the world, and we know that China takes that very seriously. We
in Nigeria also take that very seriously. It is a global phenomenon.
“We want to work with China to fight fake news and misinformation, and to promote useful information that can help societies to grow and to also integrate with each other rather than divide them.
“Nigeria enjoys one of the greatest press freedoms, in the world. I mean, everyone can practice freely here. The media here is largely free,” Idris said.
Speaking, Mr Hia said China is very lucky to have a strong friend like the Federal Government of Nigeria, adding that the two countries are enjoying excellent bilateral relations.
“This is a relation built on mutual respect, understanding and win-win cooperation. Over the past half century, actually this year marks the 54th anniversary of our bilateral ties.
“During these periods, we have always stood together, supported each other, particularly in times of difficulty, and we have always respected each other.
“We keep very close high-level communications, and our cooperation in various fields has brought a lot of tangible benefits for both of our nations.
“Our people-to-people exchanges have never been as close as we are enjoying today. So as the new Chinese ambassador, I will spare no efforts to promote these bilateral relations to a new height.
“And the two presidents of our two countries agreed to elevate our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. They also witnessed the signing of a dozen of cooperation documents.
“Among those documents, there are two under the portfolio of Honourable Minister. That is the MOU on cooperation between the China Media Group, and the NTA and FRCN.
“And so we look forward to implement the two MOUs signed and provide more support for the capacity building of television and radio production here,” Hia said.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA