The Federal Government has urged information officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise trust-building, networking and effective coordination in communicating government policies to the public.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting for Resident Information Officers (RIOs) drawn from Grade Levels 14 to 17.
Idris said effective government communication could only thrive where honesty, clarity and collaboration are upheld, stressing that public trust remains the most critical asset for information officers.
“In many ways, you are ministers in your own corners. But to perform effectively, you must uphold honesty and earn public trust. Without trust, communication will fail,” he said.
According to the minister, information officers must avoid misinformation by ensuring accuracy, even if it means delaying communication.
“Sometimes, it is better to wait and get the correct information than to rush out and make avoidable mistakes. Accuracy must always come before speed,” Idris added.
He also cautioned RIOs against working at cross-purposes with political appointees within the MDAs they serve.
“You are not in opposition to the government you work for. You must collaborate with political appointees, including media advisers, to ensure unity of message and proper coordination,” he said.
Drawing from experience, Idris recounted how professional engagement and consultation helped him manage communication surrounding the U.S. bombing of a terrorist hideout in Sokoto in December 2025.
“I reached out to all relevant stakeholders, including presidential media aides, before addressing the issue publicly. No one will bring information to you, you must seek it out,” he explained.
Also speaking at the event, a former Commissioner for Information in Adamawa State, Dr Ahmed Sajoh, emphasised the need for continuous training of information officers to enable them effectively bridge the gap between government and citizens.
“Trust is built through humility, character and consistent behaviour. Through your conduct, the public can come to trust the government,” Sajoh said.
He added that loyalty should be to the nation rather than individuals.
“Bosses will come and go, but the country remains. It is our responsibility to counter misinformation, disinformation and fake news,” he stated.
In his remarks, Prof. Okey Okechukwu, Executive Director of Development SPECS Academy, highlighted the importance of experience-sharing among information officers, urging them to actively document and publicise the activities of their MDAs.
“Ensure your boss’s activities are reported and that at least one story is published in a national daily every month,” he advised.
Similarly, the Special Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Mr Tunde Rahman, said information officers must fully understand the mandates of their agencies to communicate effectively.
“You must align your work with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Do not hesitate to seek clarification when in doubt—government communication must not fail,” Rahman said.
The meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, was attended by senior government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Ogbodo Nnam, and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Mohammed-Ali, represented by NAN’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr Mufutau Ojo, among others.
