R-L The Honourable Minister of Information & National Orientation, Hon. Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi second right. Borno State Commissioner of Information & Internal Security, Prof. Mohammed Uan Tar. DG, Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Mr. Foloronsu S. Aluko second left and Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur first left on Wednesday at Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Quarterly Strategic Meeting of the Honourable Commissioners of Information APC- Governed States from Tuesday, 14th to 16th October, 2025 at Multi Purpose Hall , Government House Maiduguri, Borno State.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on Commissioners of Information in APC-governed states to rise to the challenge of protecting Nigeria’s global image through proactive, fact-based communication.
Speaking at the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Quarterly Strategy Meeting held Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Minister stressed the crucial role state information chiefs play in shaping national perception.
“I want to recognize the pivotal role you play in information management and dissemination,” he stated. “In an era when information is both a tool for development and a weapon of conflict, you are the architects of public understanding and the first line of defence for our national integrity.”
Malagi warned of a growing disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Nigeria by falsely tagging the country as a site of genocide—a narrative he described as malicious and coordinated.
“We are now confronting a deliberate and malicious campaign to falsely, lubriciously, label Nigeria as a genocide destination… This is not mere misinformation. It is a coordinated disinformation operation designed to incite panic, fracture national unity, damage our international standing, and skim away the investment we so urgently need.”
He urged stakeholders to counter such narratives with strategic communication grounded in truth, data, and powerful storytelling about Nigeria’s diversity, resilience, and unity.
“Nigeria is not a destination for genocide, and we must rise up to protect our nation in the face of this,” he emphasized. “This moment demands that we reinforce our strategic counter-voice… with expert testimony, and with powerful narratives of community resilience and inter-ethnic cooperation.”
Referencing the host state, he pointed to Borno’s journey as a model of unity amidst adversity.
“The example of Borno… is an indication of how, when we come together united, we can forge a common front to defend our country.”
Malagi called for better synergy between government actors, traditional institutions, and civil society to project a unified voice and strengthen national identity. He also highlighted the importance of digital media in this effort, urging state information officers to engage actively online to challenge disinformation where it thrives.
He described the upcoming UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja as a key initiative to empower media professionals with skills to identify and neutralize fake news.
“This war is not just fought on the traditional media. You also have to know how the use of digital media, of social media, can either make or mar our mission,” Malagi noted.
On governance, the Minister emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms—particularly the upcoming rollout of four significant tax laws expected to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape by January 2026.
“It is the largest fiscal reform in our recent history — and a much-anticipated catalyst that we all need for national development,” he said. “You must take this message… down to the grassroots so that our people will understand it in the way that it is, not the perception of a few.”
He charged Information Commissioners with the duty to transform complex policies into accessible narratives, reflecting how federal initiatives are directly improving lives through infrastructure, social programs, and economic empowerment.
> “Beyond telling, show evidently that the government is present and is working for all citizens. It’s the duty of all Commissioners of Information to tell the story, to tell the difference…”
Malagi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unity and progress, paying tribute to Borno State’s resilience and national contributions.
“When you hear that Nigeria is a destination for Christian genocide, or any kind of genocide for that matter, it should test our collective resolve… You are the stewards of our truth.”
He urged all stakeholders to move forward with “courage and strategic clarity” in defending Nigeria’s image and advancing a narrative of hope and unity.
“Let us ensure that the story of Nigeria is defined not by the lies of our detractors, but by our unwavering pursuit of unity, progress, and peace that we all desire to build our great country.”
