The Federal Government has urged commissioners of information in All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states to strengthen collaboration and coordinate efforts to effectively communicate the policies and programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting with APC commissioners of information from across the states in Abuja.
Idris said effective communication had become increasingly important to governance, particularly as changes in the media landscape and the growing influence of digital platforms continue to shape how citizens access and respond to information.
“Effective communication is no longer optional. It is an essential instrument of leadership, governance and public engagement,” the minister said.
He charged the commissioners to ensure that their communication strategies reflected the APC’s vision, values and policy direction while remaining factual and responsive to Nigerians’ concerns.
The minister said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities, improve infrastructure and promote national development.
“These reforms require effective communication at every level of government. Citizens must understand not only what government is doing, but why particular decisions are being taken, what challenges they seek to address and what benefits they are expected to deliver,” he said.
Describing the commissioners as a strategic link between government and the public, Idris said they had a responsibility to explain policies, provide credible information, correct misconceptions and accurately communicate government activities.
He urged them to establish stronger communication networks across federal and state institutions, share experiences and verified information, improve media engagement strategies and maximise the use of traditional and digital platforms.
Idris also cautioned against misinformation and disinformation, warning that political communication must not come at the expense of credibility.
“Our greatest asset is public trust, and that trust can only be sustained through accuracy, transparency, consistency and responsible engagement,” he said.
He further stressed that government communication should extend beyond publicising policies and programmes to listening to citizens and addressing their concerns.
“Effective communication is a two-way process. We must pay attention to citizens’ concerns, understand public sentiment and ensure that feedback informs how government engages with the people,” he added.
The minister called on the commissioners to develop practical strategies for coordinating communication activities, sharing verified information and showcasing development initiatives across the country.
According to him, stronger cooperation among information managers would help establish a more coherent and responsive government communication network.
“As members of the same political family, we have a responsibility to foster unity, mutual respect and a common sense of purpose. Our different states and experiences should enrich our collective capacity rather than divide us,” Idris said.
The meeting was attended by 20 commissioners of information from APC-controlled states.
