Govt Urges Writers To Criticise Responsibly, Promote Solutions

The Federal Government has urged Nigerian writers to use their voices to address national challenges and promote solutions, saying criticism of government should deepen public understanding rather than fuel division.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the call at the opening of the 45th International Convention and Conference of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), held on October 30, 2026, at the ANA Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja.

Akume, who acknowledged the role of writers in promoting peace, security and national development, said literature remained an important tool for drawing attention to societal challenges and giving expression to the experiences of ordinary citizens.

He noted that through poetry, plays and other literary works, writers could expose injustice, highlight community hardships and communicate issues that statistics alone might not adequately capture.

While encouraging writers to continue holding government accountable, he cautioned against the deliberate use of words to incite violence or promote hatred among Nigerians.

“This does not mean that writers should avoid difficult subjects, or that government criticism should be discouraged. Far from it, freedom of expression, the right to question those in authority, are important features of democratic life,” he said.

He urged ANA members to remain honest and outspoken about the country’s challenges while ensuring their contributions encouraged constructive engagement and practical solutions.

Also speaking, Senator Ekong Bassey called on the government to take Nigerian writers more seriously, noting that their works had long highlighted issues threatening the country’s future.

He said government and writers must work together to address Nigeria’s security challenges, urging authors to engage more closely with government institutions rather than view them as distant establishments.

Meanwhile, ANA National President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, commended the Federal Government for supporting Nigerian writers through the provision of land for the Writers Village in Mpape and facilitating their access to benefits under the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) Act 2022.

He, however, called for stronger efforts to improve national security and create an environment where Nigerians, particularly young people, could have hope for a better future.

Akanbi warned that reforms, however good would hardly succeed if citizens perceived them as punishment, stressing that national development required responsible leadership and active citizen participation.

He also urged politicians and political actors to exercise restraint ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against political bitterness and violence.

He said the electoral process must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, unity and mutual respect, adding that nation-building was a collective responsibility shared by government and citizens.