Mohammed Idris’ Three‑Year Stewardship at the Information and National Orientation Ministry By Sampson Ikemitang

Mohammed Idris’ Three‑Year Stewardship at the Information and National Orientation Ministry
By Sampson Ikemitang

Since assumption of office as Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation in August 2023, Mohammed Idris (often called Malagi) has led a significant transformation of the Ministry. At a time marked by economic reforms, security challenges and rising public demand for accountability, the Ministry has sought to redefine government communication through transparency, strategic engagement and national value re-orientation.

Under Idris’ leadership, the ministry has focused on rebuilding public trust, improving access to verified information, strengthening media relations and promoting national cohesion. His administration has indeed positioned communication as a tool not only for governance but also development.

One of the Ministry’s major achievements has been the emphasis on fact-based public communication. Mohammed Idris has repeatedly stressed that the era of propaganda-driven communication should give way to accurate and verifiable information dissemination. Recall   that during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Information and National Orientation in April 2024, Minister Idris reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and credibility in government messaging.

This renewed communication strategy became particularly evident through the re-introduction and strengthening of the Ministerial Press briefing series. The initiative has undoubtedly created a direct platform for ministers and government officials to engage the media and explain government’s policies, reforms and programmes to Nigerians. In fact, it cannot be controverted that the platform has in no small measure, enhanced openness and availed the citizens with clear insights into economic reforms, investment initiatives and social intervention programmes of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government.

Another notable achievement under Idris has been the strengthening of collaboration between government and the media. Coming into office with decades of experience in Journalism, Public Relations and broadcasting, Idris leveraged his professional background to foster improved relations with media stakeholders. Recall that before his appointment, he founded the Blueprint Newspaper, and WE FM and served as General Secretary of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria.

Under his watch, the ministry has consistently projected support for Press Freedom and responsible Journalism. For instance, during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day celebration, Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to free press while calling for collaborative efforts to combat the menace of disinformation and fake news. He noted that Journalism had not faced persecution for responsible reporting under Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration. This position has earned accolades from media practitioners and reinforced confidence in democratic engagement in the country.

In the same vein, the ministry has played a central role in promoting national unity and strategic communication. Through national orientation campaigns and public sensitisation programmes, the ministry has emphasised patriotism, civic responsibility and peaceful co-existence. Minister Idris has continued to highlight the importance of inclusive governance, and communication in fostering national cohesion, particularly in a diverse country like Nigeria.

Again, the Ministry under his watch has deepened engagement with its agencies and parastatals viz:- Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON). These agencies have increasingly been repositioned to support the timely dissemination of government policies and national development narratives across local and international audiences.

Another important contribution of the Ministry has been its role in communicating government responses to national challenges. At a period when Nigerians were grappling with inflation and economic adjustments occasioned by policy reforms, the ministry intensified efforts to explain government actions and reassure citizens about long-term recovery plans. Idris has consistently used public engagements to communicate government intervention in Agriculture, Security and economic stabilization etcetera.

More so, the ministry has expanded strategic communication around national security issues. Through collaboration with security agencies and public information channels, the ministry has supported efforts to counter disinformation and fake news, thus, sustaining public confidence in the ongoing security operations. Idris has repeatedly emphasised the government’s determination to confront terrorism, banditry and violent extremism while encouraging national solidarity.

In addition, under Idris’ watch, Nigeria officially hosts the first-ever UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (C2 IMILI), in Abuja. This marks a major milestone for Africa in advancing media and information literacy; thus, equipping citizens with the tools to critically evaluate information in the digital age.

Perhaps, one of the defining features of Mohammed Idris’ tenure has been the attempt to reposition public information management as an instrument of democratic accountability rather than mere political publicity. His approach reflects a broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s communication architecture and align it with global best practices in governance communication.

While challenges remain in ensuring public trust amid difficult socio-economic realities, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation under Mohammed Idris has demonstrated a deliberate commitment to transparency, media engagement, value re-orientation and strategic communication. Through reforms, stakeholders engagement and renewed public communication initiatives, the ministry continues to play a vital role in shaping the relationship between government and the citizenry in contemporary Nigeria.

Ikemitang writes from Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Abuja.