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Says public trust can only be sustained through accuracy, transparency, consistency and responsible engagement
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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has charged commissioners of information across the states with the effective communication of government policies and programmes.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) commissioners of information from across the states in Abuja.
The minister told the commissioners that they were operating in an era in which information travelled faster than ever before.
Idris said the media landscape was constantly evolving, adding that public expectations were changing and digital platforms had fundamentally transformed how citizens receive, interpret and respond to information.
He also said that in such an environment, effective communication was no longer optional but an essential instrument of leadership, governance and public engagement.
“For us in the All Progressives Congress, this responsibility carries an added dimension. We must ensure that our communication reflects a clear understanding of our party’s vision, values and policy direction, while remaining factual, responsible and responsive to the concerns of Nigerians.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda represents a programme of reforms and national repositioning aimed at strengthening our economy, expanding opportunities, improving infrastructure and building a more prosperous country.
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“These reforms require effective communication at every level of government. Citizens must understand not only what government is doing, but why particular decisions are being taken, what challenges they seek to address and what benefits they are expected to deliver.
“This is where your respective offices become particularly important. As Commissioners of Information, you occupy a strategic position between government and the people. You are responsible for translating policies into understandable messages, providing credible information, correcting misconceptions and ensuring that the activities of government are communicated accurately,” Idris said.
The minister, however, encouraged the commissioners to build stronger communication networks across federal and state institutions.
“We must share experiences, exchange useful information, strengthen our media engagement strategies and make better use of traditional and digital communication platforms.
“We must also recognise the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation. Political communication must not come at the expense of credibility. Our greatest asset is public trust, and that trust can only be sustained through accuracy, transparency, consistency and responsible engagement.
“Beyond communicating government activities, we must also listen. Effective communication is a two-way process. We must pay attention to citizens’ concerns, understand public sentiment and ensure that feedback informs how government engages with the people,” he stated.
Idris also called on the commissioners to explore practical ways of coordinating their communication efforts, sharing verified information, amplifying development initiatives and ensuring that Nigerians have access to credible accounts of what their governments are doing.
“As members of the same political family, we have a responsibility to foster unity, mutual respect and a common sense of purpose. Our different states and experiences should enrich our collective capacity rather than divide us.
“I am confident that the relationships established and strengthened here will contribute to a more coherent, effective and responsive information network across the country,” Idris added.
