The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that fragmented and uncoordinated government messaging undermines public trust and weakens the credibility of the Federal Government.
Idris gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with Directors of Information and Resident Information Officers (RIOs) on grade levels 14 to 17 serving across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The session was held under the theme, “Aligning Public Information with the Renewed Hope Agenda: Rebuilding Trust Through Effective, Transparent Communication.”
The minister explained that public trust remains the most valuable asset of government communication, stressing that credibility, once lost, is difficult to restore. He urged information officers to uphold honesty, consistency and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, fragmented messaging and parallel communication channels confuse citizens and erode confidence in government. He insisted that the Federal Government must speak with one clear and consistent voice to effectively serve the national interest and deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Idris charged Resident Information Officers to function as active partners within their host MDAs rather than passive observers, encouraging them to engage constructively with ministers, permanent secretaries and agency leadership. He noted that initiative, relevance and professionalism are essential for building influence and trust.
He also drew attention to the growing challenge of misinformation, driven by the speed of digital media, and emphasised the need for timely and accurate communication. The minister observed that delays in official communication often create opportunities for false narratives to thrive.
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to freedom of expression, Idris said such freedom must be exercised responsibly. He further outlined measures to strengthen professionalism within the information cadre, including mandatory periodic reporting, improved deployment processes, continuous training and stronger institutional support.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government has begun efforts to restore the National Institute of Public Information as part of moves to enhance capacity building for public communicators. He concluded by calling for teamwork and mutual respect, noting that information officers are central to projecting government policies and achievements.
The session was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ogbodo Chinansa Nnam; the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Ali Mohammed-Ali, represented by the Editor-in-Chief, Mr Mufutau Ojo; the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace; the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Malam Salihu Dembos; and other senior officials.
