Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Information Commissioners from APC-controlled states to take the lead in countering malicious disinformation campaigns targeted at Nigeria’s image globally.
Speaking at the Progressive Governors’ Summit for APC States’ Commissioners for Information in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Minister warned that recent attempts to portray Nigeria as a “genocide destination” were deliberate efforts to incite panic and damage the country’s reputation.
In a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister urged the Commissioners to serve as the architects of public understanding and the first line of defense for Nigeria’s integrity.
Mohammed Idris emphasized the need for a united front across all APC states, working closely with governors, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to build credible voices that will project truth and promote national cohesion.
The Minister called for the use of facts, data, and real-life stories of community resilience and inter-ethnic harmony to debunk falsehoods and reassure citizens about government’s commitment to peace and unity.
He disclosed that the Federal Government would soon launch the National Values Charter — a key initiative under the national reorientation programme to strengthen patriotism, protect citizens, and promote unity in diversity.
According to him, the Charter will serve as a powerful counter-narrative to negative portrayals of Nigeria abroad and should become the foundation of all state-level communication strategies.
Idris also urged the Commissioners to clearly communicate the impact of government policies on citizens, translating technical reforms into relatable stories of progress and improved welfare.
Highlighting key achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister listed major economic gains including GDP growth of 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025 and external reserves now exceeding $42 billion.
He also mentioned expanded student loan access to over 600,000 students, establishment of CREDICORP, and reforms in the agricultural sector, with ₦1.5 trillion injected into the Bank of Agriculture the highest in its history.
The Minister explained that these reforms are designed to build a secure, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria, calling on state information officers to make these results visible through effective communication.
He said the Tinubu administration remains committed to transparency, unity, and the well-being of all Nigerians.
The event, hosted by the Borno State Government, brought together Commissioners for Information from all APC-controlled states to deepen collaboration on strategic communication and national orientation.
BELLO WAKILI
