Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for unity and debunked misinformation relating to the business of governance in Africa’s most populous country.
In a press statement released on Sunday, Idris urged Nigerians to resist all forces and narratives of misinformation and division, while tackling the country’s challenges with urgency and dedication.
Addressing rumors surrounding the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters and certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos, he clarified that these are pragmatic administrative steps to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, and not political moves aimed at marginalizing a section of the country.
The Minister also warned against the spread of false information, urging people to be especially mindful of those who specialize in making false and inciting claims on radio, TV, and social media, as well as in peddling altered videos and images for viral dissemination.
In his call for unity, Idris emphasized that “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the work of building the Nigeria of our dreams is one that must be done by everyone, regardless of religious faith, ethnic group, or geopolitical zone.”
He announced the production of the Nigerian National Values Charter (NVC), describing it as “A documentation of the social contract between Government and the citizens, as one of the ways to restore a national sense of hope, trust, and solidarity.”
Security, Justice , Economy
Idris stated that the government is boldly confronting all security threats, with significant results seen in the past week. Several bandits, kidnappers, and militants have been neutralized or arrested as law enforcement agencies intensify their operations.
The Minister acknowledged the resurgent crisis in Plateau State, assuring that all perpetrators of violence are being brought to justice.
He commended the gallantry of security and intelligence agencies, who are working tirelessly to ensure safety in homes and on highways.
On the economic front, Idris highlighted the coordinated efforts of all relevant Ministries and Agencies of the Federal Government to curb inflation, stabilize foreign exchange rates, and foster a conducive environment for business and investment.
He emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of an inclusive Nigeria where no one is left behind.
The Minister also announced several impactful interventions, including a Students’ Loan Scheme, a Presidential Initiative to deploy lower-cost CNG mass transit buses, and various low-interest loan schemes for businesses.
“The CNG interventions are expected to reduce transportation costs by more than 50 percent. Nigerians are urged to seize these opportunities designed for their benefit.”
The Minister acknowledged the challenging times the nation is facing due to the impact of inflation on personal and household budgets, and the security threats in parts of the country.
However, Idris emphasized that this is only part of the story.
He highlighted the various bold measures that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking to decisively confront all these challenges.
Idris stated, “We fully acknowledge the duty and the responsibility of care that the Federal Government owes to every Nigerian, across the lines of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, and social class.”
He stressed the government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges and caring for all its citizens.
The Minister emphasized the importance of focusing on opportunities and positive narratives, rather than solely on challenges and problems.
Idris stated, “We will not succeed at building the Nigeria of our dreams if we insist on focusing only on our challenges and problems, and not the abundant opportunities and positive narratives that we are surrounded by.”
He acknowledged the country’s genuine enthusiasm for investment from both local and foreign investors.
The Minister noted that in the opening weeks of 2024, Nigeria’s Stock Market gained global recognition for its impressive returns.
Idris highlighted, “The Indian businesses that pledged $14 billion in new investment in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India in September 2023 have since started making good on those pledges.”
He noted the unshakable belief in Nigeria’s limitless possibilities demonstrated by global and local businesses across various fields, including oil and gas, agriculture, consumer goods, renewable energy, healthcare, and ICT.
Idris also celebrated the exploits of Nigeria’s beloved Super Eagles at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, describing them as “a timely reminder that the things that bind us together as one are much deeper than the things that separate and divide us.”
In his concluding remarks, Idris urged, “Let us never forget what is truly possible: that instead of division and hatred, we can live and thrive in unity and hope, assured that, despite the temporary challenges and setbacks that we face from time to time, a glorious dawn is just around the corner.”