‘Tool for public sensitisation’ – Mohammed Idris asks states not to scrap information ministries

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, has advised state governments to reconsider their decision to scrap or downgrade their ministries of information.

Speaking on Friday at the 48th national council of information and national orientation in Kaduna state, Idris said the ministries are not just administrative bodies but key drivers of public engagement, national orientation, and societal cohesion.

He said the ministries foster transparency and accountability, adding that they serve as a bridge between government policies and citizens.

“At this juncture, I would want to make a passionate appeal to some of our state governments, especially on the status and operations of state ministries of information,” he said.

“And my plea, for emphasis, goes like this: that, in the ever-broadening parameters of governance, the role of ministries of information at both the national and state levels cannot be overstated. 

“These ministries serve as the bridge between government policies and the citizens they are designed to benefit, thereby fostering transparency, accountability, and trust, which are essential pillars of any thriving democracy.

“The ministry of Information plays a critical role in public sensitization. Through this institution, and the platforms associated with it, governments can educate citizens on policies, programmes, and initiatives. 

“They also serve as vital platforms for addressing misinformation, which, if left unchecked, can erode public trust and undermine collective progress. In an era where information is both a tool and a weapon, having a dedicated body to manage its dissemination is indispensable.”