Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to rebuilding public trust in official communication, saying the ministry will remain guided by honesty, clarity, and national interest.
Idris made the statement in Abuja after receiving the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NAEAPS) for Excellence in Public Communication and Transparency. The award ceremony was organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in partnership with The Best Strategic Media.
The honour marks the Minister’s second national recognition within five days, coming shortly after he received the Business Day Award for Excellence in Public Service on December 3.
Speaking to journalists, Idris described the award as both gratifying and encouraging. “This country belongs to all of us, so being recognised for contributing to its development is heartwarming. It gives us even more energy to serve,” he said.
He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the ministry a clear mandate to strengthen public communication and ensure that government messaging supports national development. “We will continue to restore trust in public communication through honest, sincere, and purposeful engagement. This is one of the major challenges, and we are confronting it with a strong sense of duty,” Idris said.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to curb fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, warning that these threats can destabilise communities if not addressed. “We are working hard to ensure Nigerians receive accurate information. Fake news and misinformation can make or mar a society, so we will continue to confront them with truthful and timely communication,” he added.
Idris attributed the ministry’s progress to collective effort, commending the heads of agencies, directors, and staff across the Ministry of Information and National Orientation. “This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone in the ministry who has worked hard to reposition the information and communication sector,” he said.
The Minister urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to nation-building, stating: “We do not have another country. We must join hands to move Nigeria forward. The country is greater than all of us, and we have to work together for its progress.”
Other honourees at the NAEAPS ceremony included the governors of Bauchi, Zamfara, Kogi, and Enugu States, as well as the Ministers of Aviation, Women Affairs, and several other distinguished public servants.