Information minister urges transparency in public communication

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has unveiled a comprehensive five-pronged vision aimed at amplifying the policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

Speaking at a one-day retreat held in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister stressed the need for transparency in public communication as a cornerstone for restoring public trust and effectively conveying the government’s agenda to both citizens and the global community.

He stated that the new vision, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, also seeks to modernise the ministry’s technology and talent, reorient national values, and create a more favourable environment for media operations in Nigeria.

Idris urged the ministry’s staff and its parastatals to work in synergy, highlighting the importance of their role in delivering results that resonate with the government’s commitment to national development.

The minister outlined the five key aspects of the vision: restoring public trust in government communications; amplifying Federal Government policies and programmes; inspiring Nigerian narratives and reorienting national values; modernising technology and talent in the Federal Government’s information and communications systems; and creating an enabling environment for media operations in Nigeria through favourable policies and incentives.

“I call on the ministry and its parastatals to embrace this vision and work together in synergy, as this is the only way to deliver the results expected of us,” Idris said.

“I urge you to have open discussions regarding red flags and grey areas so that we not only deliver on our mandate but are also seen to deliver well. We have experts from the Central Results Delivery and Coordinating Unit to assist in this regard, so let us utilise their presence.”

At the beginning of his tenure, Idris outlined his vision for the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, committing to transparency in public communication and building trust between the government and its citizens. He stressed that transparency is crucial for fostering and reinforcing that trust.

Idris also urged the ministry’s staff to ensure they are on track to deliver the ministry’s mandate.

“Our mandate is to lead the management of the image and reputation of the people and government of Nigeria through a professional and dynamic public information system that facilitates access and feedback from citizens and the global community,” he said.

Since the advent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a structured agenda to achieve the Renewed Hope Initiative has been implemented, with all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved and a tracking system to ensure compliance. This tracking system is managed by the CRDCU in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. All members of staff are responsible for delivering our results to this office, either as heads or as Delivery Officers. This retreat is organised to ensure that we understand this responsibility.

“You may recall that the Permanent Secretary and I signed a performance bond with the President to guarantee that we would fulfil the ministry’s mandate. I understand that the Permanent Secretary has involved directors in this commitment, and during this retreat, I plan to have the heads of parastatals sign the performance bond as well,” he said.