By Gabriel Ameh
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Commissioners of Information in APC-controlled states to strengthen communication with the Federal Government and improve public awareness of President Bola Tinubu’s policies and programmes.
Idris made the call on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a meeting with APC Commissioners of Information in Abuja, where he emphasised the importance of coordinated communication in building public confidence in government.
The Minister described effective communication as an essential part of governance, saying Nigerians needed to understand the objectives, challenges and expected benefits of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the government’s reforms were designed to strengthen the economy, create more opportunities, improve infrastructure and promote national development.
“Effective communication is no longer optional. It is an essential instrument of leadership, governance and public engagement,” Idris stated.
He urged the commissioners to establish stronger communication channels between federal and state institutions, share verified information and make better use of traditional and digital media platforms to reach citizens.
The Minister also warned against misinformation and disinformation, stressing that transparency, accuracy and responsible public engagement were necessary to maintain public trust.
According to him, credibility remains central to government communication and must be protected through consistent and truthful information.
“Our greatest asset is public trust, and that trust can only be sustained through accuracy, transparency, consistency and responsible engagement,” he said.
Idris further encouraged the commissioners to pay attention to citizens’ concerns and public sentiment, noting that government communication should not be limited to passing information but should also involve listening and responding to feedback.
He described the meeting as an opportunity to build a stronger working relationship among information managers at the federal and state levels.
“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,” the Minister added.
Twenty Commissioners of Information from APC-led states attended the meeting, which focused on improving intergovernmental communication, information sharing and public engagement.
The discussions come amid growing emphasis on the role of public communication in explaining government policies, addressing public concerns and tackling the spread of misleading information.
Source: Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO).
