The Federal Government has called on advertising and communication professionals to take a leading role in reshaping Nigeria’s image locally and internationally by promoting the country’s strengths and countering negative narratives.
Gatekeepers News reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday at the 5th National Advertising Conference held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Idris said the advertising and communication industry holds a critical responsibility to highlight Nigeria’s resilience, diversity, and potential, stressing that the sector is not only a platform for brand promotion but also a strategic tool for national development and image management.
“One of the gravest challenges our nation faces today is the deliberate spread of misinformation, particularly the false and damaging narrative of Nigeria as a ‘violator of religious freedom,’” the minister said.
He maintained that Nigeria remains a country where people of all faiths coexist peacefully, adding that the nation’s security challenges are not targeted at any particular religion or ethnic group.
“Yes, Nigeria has faced security challenges, especially from terrorists and violent extremists, but these are not targeted at any religion or ethnic group. All Nigerians—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths—have suffered from the menace of terrorism and banditry,” he noted.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to restoring national security, pointing to recent progress made by the armed forces.
“Only yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff briefed the media after meeting with the President, providing encouraging updates on the significant gains recorded in just the past few days,” he said.
The minister urged industry practitioners to deploy strategic storytelling, digital campaigns, and creative messaging to project Nigeria’s unity, economic opportunities, and collective strength.
“You are not only storytellers for brands and businesses; you are also custodians of national perception and image. We need a communication renaissance — one that emphasises facts over fear, unity over division, and truth over propaganda,” Idris said.
He assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to collaborate with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and other partners to strengthen the sector and ensure that Nigeria’s story is told authentically by Nigerians.
“We are retooling our public information machinery to align with the realities of the digital age, where truth must travel faster than falsehood and where the Nigerian story must be told by Nigerians themselves,” he added.
Earlier, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of ARCON, emphasised the role of marketing communication in driving business growth and navigating economic disruptions.
“In today’s world, market algorithms are shifting faster than ever, consumer behaviour is becoming more complex, and digital disruption is redefining the rules of engagement,” Fadolapo said.
He described the conference as a platform for strategists, creators, and innovators to exchange ideas and develop sustainable strategies for advancing Nigeria’s communication ecosystem.
“Even in challenging times, great communication remains one of the most powerful tools for growth,” he added.
