The Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, alongside the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, (NCTC) Major General Adamu Laka and the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace have called for strengthened collaboration between information officers and security agencies.
This is to promote truth, counter extremist narratives, and preserve national unity.
This consensus was reached at a training workshop for Information Officers, organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Ogbodo Chinasa, highlighted the dangers posed by misinformation and divisive narratives, calling on journalists and security professionals alike to reject fake news and hate speech.
He urged all Nigerians to unite in telling the true Nigerian story, warning that without accurate information, fear and division will flourish, and without security, freedom of expression cannot thrive.
Alhaji Idris further stated that it is important to emphasise the inseparable link between security and information in Nigeria’s quest for peace and progress.
He described the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Ministry of Information, as key players in government communication, responsible for delivering timely and factual information that supports national policies.
Strategic Move
The Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Ofice of the National Security Adviser ONSA, Major General Adamu Laka, echoed the sentiments of the information minister, describing the workshop’s theme, “Empowering the Messenger: Innovative Approaches to Public Information in the Face of Security Challenges,” as a strategic move to equip public information officers with the tools needed to navigate today’s complex communication environment.
He outlined the NCTC’s Whole-of-Government approach aimed at building a resilient nation through trusted communication.
General Laka also stressed the importance of the Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy Committee, which harmonises messaging among government agencies to counter violent extremism effectively.
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, drew on his 32 years of experience in military journalism to highlight the profound responsibility borne by information officers.
“We are guardians of the public trust,” he said, reminding journalists that their reports must uphold unity and national stability.
Ndace praised the NCTC’s efforts and reaffirmed Voice of Nigeria’s commitment to promoting transparent, accurate, and timely information.
He emphasised that responsible journalism involves not only telling the truth but also respecting security agencies, recognising their sacrifices, and avoiding reports that could weaken national institutions.
Hauwa Abu