FG urges information managers to embrace digital tools

The Federal Government has called on the various information officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embrace digital innovations for national security.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made this call at a one-day training themed “Renewing Hope and Strengthening National Unity Through Effective Communication and the Role of the Official Secrets Act in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security”.

The workshop was organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in Abuja on Tuesday.

In his keynote address, the SGF said, “The advent of digital media, social networking platforms, and instant messaging has revolutionised the way information is disseminated and consumed.

“To thrive in this dynamic environment, information managers must adapt their branding to resonate with contemporary audience who are increasingly digital-savvy and discerning in their consumption of information.”

According to him, the leaking of official secrets is a felony, and there is no defence for such an act in the constitution of Nigeria or the Freedom of Information Act.

There have been cases of information leakages in top agencies of the government which have called for further tightening of the government’s information landscape.

He stated that although new digital platforms have unleashed innovative practices in the journalism profession (enabling novel forms of communication and greater global reach than at any point in human history), disinformation and hoaxes referred to as fake news are accelerating and affecting the way individuals interpret daily developments.

Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office at the Office of the SGF, Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, added, “A key part of this present government’s communication approach is the recognition that communication is central to all service-delivery efforts of the government.

“Though the government has made great strides in communicating with the public, particularly around the implementation of the programmes, it is clear that there is a conscious effort to complement communication with improved internal communication to inform and mobilize public servants.”

The Director General, BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi, explained that the training aimed to empower communication managers on the critical roles they play in maintaining confidentiality and national security under the Official Secrets Act.

“This training also serves to strengthen national unity through effective communication in public services and to leverage social media for effective governance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on improved governance for effective service delivery.

“Meanwhile, the Official Secrets Act plays a pivotal role in maintaining confidentiality and national security by establishing a legal framework that protects sensitive government information from unauthorised disclosure.

“The Official Secrets Act ensures that classified information, which if exposed could jeopardise national security, remains secure and accessible only to those with the requisite clearance.

“By defining and penalising breaches of confidentiality, the Act deters individuals from leaking sensitive data and reinforces the importance of safeguarding state secrets,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the event were the President/Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku and Dr. Chris Isiguzo, National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

A lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, Dr. Bala Muhammad presented the first paper at the workshop.

His paper was titled, “Essentials of Reputational Risk Management for Information Managers.”

The Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Ike Ikechukwu
delivered the second paper titled, “Renewing Hope and Strengthening National Unity Through Effective Communication.”

The Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, presented the third paper titled, “The Role of the Official Secrets Act in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security.”

According to a communique of the workshop sighted by our correspondent, Participants at the Summit recommended that the government should lead the communication landscape to prevent misinformation and ensure citizens are well-informed about government policies and programmes.