Unified Government Messaging Key to Restoring Public Trust – Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for a unified, coordinated, and trust-driven approach to government communication, describing it as critical for delivering President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at an interactive session with Directors of Information and Resident Information Officers (RIOs) on grade levels 14–17, deployed across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the minister emphasised that coordinated communication is essential for advancing President Tinubu’s agenda.

The session, themed “Aligning Public Information with the Renewed Hope Agenda: Rebuilding Trust Through Effective, Transparent Communication,” focused on strengthening public trust through professionalism and consistency.

Idris emphasised that public trust remains the most valuable asset in government communication, stressing that information officers must be guided by honesty, credibility, and consistency in their work. “Public trust is our most important capital. Once credibility is lost, no amount of messaging can fix it,” the minister said.

He warned that fragmented messaging and parallel communication channels weaken government credibility and confuse citizens, insisting that the government must speak with a single, clear, and consistent voice.

“We are one government serving one national interest, and our communication must reflect that unity,” he said.

The minister urged Resident Information Officers to see themselves as active partners within their host MDAs rather than passive observers.

He encouraged them to engage proactively with ministers, permanent secretaries, and agency leadership, noting that professionalism, relevance, and initiative are key to earning trust and influence.

Addressing the growing pressure of misinformation and the speed of digital media, Alhaji Idris stressed the importance of timely and accurate communication, noting that delays often create space for false narratives.

While reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to freedom of expression, he said such freedom must be exercised responsibly.

The minister also outlined steps being taken to strengthen professionalism within the information cadre, including mandatory periodic reporting, improved deployment processes, continuous training, and stronger institutional support.

He disclosed that the Federal Government has begun restoring the National Institute of Public Information to enhance capacity building for public communicators.

He concluded by calling for teamwork and mutual respect, reminding participants that they are central to projecting government policies and achievements and that they must align their work with the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda.