Nigeria’s Information Minister Mohammed Idris has urged journalists and media outlets to report more positively on the economic situation, as the government faces criticism over its reforms from labor unions and civil society groups.
At the 21st Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, Idris said that foreign direct investment would not come to Nigeria if all the stories coming out of the country were negative.
He said the government was not asking people to ignore the challenges and problems facing Nigeria, but to also highlight the achievements and opportunities.
“Please let’s not downplay the positives for the negative,” the Minister said.
Appeal for Patience
Idris also appealed for patience and support for the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has embarked on a series of economic reforms since taking office in 2023. The reforms include removing fuel subsidies, unifying the foreign exchange rate, and strengthening the tax system, which the government says are necessary to boost growth, reduce debt, and diversify the economy.
He said; “We know there’s hardship, but the government is working round the clock to turn the curve.
“Give the President an opportunity to make all these policies to come to fruition, and I know that Nigeria will be better for it.”
The Minister was responding to the concerns raised by the President of the National Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero who spoke at the same event and described the ordinary Nigerians as the losers of the reforms.
Ajaero said the reforms had increased the cost of living, reduced the purchasing power, and eroded the welfare of the workers. He called for a human face to the reforms and a dialogue with the government to address the issues.
The Daily Trust Dialogue is an annual event organised by the Media Trust Group, the owners of the Daily Trust newspaper and Trust Television.
The theme of this year’s dialogue was ‘Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers.’
The event was attended by the former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Samsudeen Usman, former Director General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria Akai, Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, and other dignitaries, as well as representatives of civil society, academia, media, and business.
The event is part of the newspaper’s contribution to stimulating discussions among Nigerians and fellow Africans on the socio-political and economic development of the country and the continent.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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