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By Victor Babayemi
The Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI) has called on media organisations to uphold professionalism, accuracy and fairness in financial reporting, warning that sensational and unverified narratives undermine public trust and national institutions.
The call was made during a press briefing in Abuja, where TADI stressed the need for responsible journalism, noting that exaggerated headlines and poor fact-checking can distort public perception and fuel unnecessary controversy.
TADI expressed concern over the growing reliance on sensational headlines rather than thorough investigative reporting, observing that such practices increasingly shape public sentiment and oversight decisions.
The organisation emphasised that strong editorial standards are critical to national stability and informed public discourse.
A key example cited was the controversial ₦1.6 trillion headline linked to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the current management led by Mr. Yemi Cardoso.
TADI described the report as misleading, noting that it sparked avoidable unrest and debate due to incomplete or exaggerated interpretations of audit findings.
In a statement jointly signed by Ambassador Yomi David and Comrade Adeniran Taiwo, TADI said the briefing was aimed at encouraging the media to align reporting with facts and fairness, thereby promoting constructive engagement on public finance matters.
The organisation also warned that sensational media narratives have, in some instances, prompted hasty conclusions and actions by lawmakers.
It urged Nigeria to anchor public debate and policy decisions on verified data, truth and fairness, free from political manipulation.
Addressing public concerns, TADI reassured Nigerians that the current CBN leadership has taken decisive corrective steps to address financial management issues, commending the bank’s ongoing reforms to restore credibility and transparency in public finance.
To strengthen accountability, TADI released formal recommendations to the media and legislators, calling for investigative accuracy, institutional transparency and impartial reporting.
It also advocated closer collaboration among media professionals, public institutions and financial regulators.
While reaffirming its support for press freedom, TADI stressed that such freedom must be matched with factual accuracy and ethical responsibility.
The organisation pledged to partner with public institutions to promote professional journalism through training workshops and public awareness initiatives, urging the media to rise above political interference and prioritise integrity over sensationalism for the nation’s progress.
