Communication must not only inform but also Build Trust – Information Minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that government communication must go beyond information dissemination to building trust, confidence and unity among citizens. This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, following Idris’ conferment with the Image Maker Award 2026 by […]
L-R: Chief Mrs Patricia Nwobodo; Chief Jim Nwobodo, former Governor of Anambra State; Peter Mba, Governor of Enugu State; Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, and Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, at the 2026 Vanguard Media Awards held on Friday at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Pix: Adnan Samaha
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that government communication must go beyond information dissemination to building trust, confidence and unity among citizens.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, following Idris’ conferment with the Image Maker Award 2026 by Vanguard Media Limited. The award was presented at a ceremony held on Friday at Eko Hotel & Suites.
“This award is a testament to the trust we strive to build with every Nigerian. Communication is at the heart of governance, and it must foster confidence, unity, and hope,” the minister said, adding, “Communication must not only inform but also build trust.”
Idris described the recognition as coming at a pivotal time for Nigeria, noting that the country is undergoing significant reforms aimed at achieving sustainable growth and strengthening public institutions.
He stressed the importance of transparency and sustained engagement with citizens and the media, saying such efforts have helped bridge the gap between government and public perception.
“As we navigate major policy shifts—including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange reforms, and fiscal restructuring—our approach has centered on clarity, consistency, and credibility. We are committed to ensuring that government decisions are communicated with empathy and responsibility, always highlighting their long-term benefits for all Nigerians,” he said.
The minister also underscored the role of accurate and timely information in addressing national security concerns, noting ongoing collaboration between government agencies and media stakeholders to maintain public confidence.
Reaffirming his commitment to effective communication, Idris said, “This award is not an endpoint, but a call to do more for the Nigerian people,” adding that his approach remains “anchored on truth, transparency, and accountability.”
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Governors Peter Mbah and Agbu Kefas, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, among others.