The Federal Government is strengthening coordination among security agencies, government institutions, communities and citizens to promote peace, enhance national security and support sustainable development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday when the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd.), paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
Idris described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen collaboration with the newly established Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, particularly in communicating government security policies and initiatives to Nigerians.
He said peace and security remained fundamental to national development, stressing that the country’s security challenges could not be resolved through military action alone.
According to the Minister, effective security requires collaboration among the armed forces, security agencies, government at all levels, communities, the media and citizens.
Idris also highlighted the role of the National Orientation Agency and other agencies under the Ministry in promoting responsible citizenship, strengthening community resilience and ensuring that Nigerians have access to accurate and timely information.
He identified fake news, misinformation and disinformation as emerging national security threats, calling for responsible communication as well as stronger media and information literacy among citizens.
Earlier, Major-General Famadewa said the visit was aimed at establishing a strong working relationship between his office and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
He described information and public education as critical components of modern homeland security, noting that the office would focus on unified intelligence and surveillance, stronger border security, improved identification of security threats, and effective protocols for reporting and responding to crises.
Famadewa stressed the strategic importance of information in addressing asymmetric security challenges, saying the government must be proactive in shaping public perception and communicating effectively during crises.
The Minister assured the Special Adviser of the Ministry’s full cooperation, noting that stronger inter-agency coordination, effective communication and active citizen participation would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts towards building a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security and agencies under the Ministry attended the meeting.