Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims that the South-East is being sidelined by the Federal Government.
He insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to inclusive governance, infrastructure development, and improved security across the region.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, Idris said the Tinubu administration was deliberately implementing policies and projects designed to ensure that every part of the country benefits from the dividends of democracy.
Responding to concerns over the perceived marginalisation of the South-East, the minister described the claim as inaccurate, citing ongoing federal infrastructure projects and recent development initiatives across the region.
“I think that for the first time in a very long time, we have seen a government that is very inclusive. If you look at the massive road projects the Federal Government has embarked upon, particularly those connecting cities and states in the South-East, you will agree that President Bola Tinubu is paying great attention to this region,” Idris said.
He stated that the establishment of the South East Development Commission and the construction of a world-class cancer treatment centre in Enugu further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to the region.
“The issue of perception of exclusion is not real. There is an enhanced commitment by the government of President Bola Tinubu to carry the people of the South-East along,” he stated.
The minister explained that the engagement with journalists formed part of his regular consultations with media practitioners across the country to obtain feedback from Nigerians on government policies and programmes. “You are my constituency. You are my people. The members of the Nigerian media form the core constituency that I come from. Information management is not a one-way traffic. My responsibility is not only to explain government policies but also to listen to you because you represent the voices of Nigerians,” he said.
According to Idris, President Tinubu consistently seeks feedback from citizens to guide government decision-making.“Mr. President always asks me, ‘What are Nigerians saying?’ A true leader is not one who only gives information to the people, but one who also listens and uses that information to refine policies and programmes,” he said.
On security, Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to restore lasting peace in the South-East, describing security as a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities. “The security challenges facing the South-East require a comprehensive approach that combines effective law enforcement, intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, economic empowerment and development,” he said.
He noted that the recently concluded South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia reflected the administration’s resolve to engage stakeholders in finding lasting solutions to insecurity.
“The Federal Government recognises the enormous potential of the South-East and remains committed to creating conditions necessary for businesses, industries and communities in the region to prosper,” he noted.
Defending the administration’s economic reforms, Idris said the policies had created greater fiscal capacity for both the federal government and state governments to execute development projects.
“When President Tinubu assumed office, many states were struggling to pay salaries. The reforms created fiscal headroom for both the federal government and the states to deliver infrastructure and other essential services,” he said.
On Nigeria’s borrowing profile, the minister maintained that borrowing is not inherently problematic, provided the funds are invested in projects that improve the lives of citizens.
“I don’t think there is harm in borrowing. The problem is when borrowed funds are not applied to the purpose for which they were intended,” he stressed.
Idris also disclosed that the Federal Government had established a National Communication Team to improve coordination and consistency in official government messaging. “There is now what is called the National Communication Team. We are working to ensure better coordination in government communication and to provide Nigerians with accurate and timely information,” he said.
He further urged media practitioners to continue promoting responsible journalism, stressing that press freedom must be exercised with professionalism and a commitment to national development. “Freedom of expression has come to stay as part of our democracy, but you cannot take freedom and throw away responsibility. Freedom and responsibility must go together for the benefit of our people and our country,” Idris said.
The interactive session ended with an assurance by the Federal Government that it would continue engaging citizens, strengthening security and pursuing policies aimed at fostering national unity, economic growth and sustainable development across all regions of the country.
