The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to rebuild Nigeria's global reputation through effective communication, truth-driven narratives, and strategic engagement with both local and international stakeholders.
Speaking in Abuja at the 5th National Advertising Conference, organized by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Minister condemned what he described as "deliberate misinformation and damaging narratives" about Nigeria, particularly those portraying the country as intolerant or unsafe.
"This characterization of Nigeria as a country of particular concern is false and misleading," Idris said. "Nigeria is a nation of diverse peoples and faiths who have lived peacefully together for generations. Yes, we face security challenges, but these are not targeted at any religion or ethnic group.
All Nigerians Muslims and Christians alike have suffered from the menace of terrorism."
The Minister stated that the government is intensifying efforts to address the root causes of insecurity while engaging global partners to ensure Nigeria's story is represented fairly on the world stage.
"President Tinubu's government is focused, determined, and fully engaged with international bodies, including the United States. We have opened deep channels of communication, and I am confident that something positive will come out of these engagements by God's grace," he said.
He commended the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) under the leadership of Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo for sustaining the conference as an annual hub of thought leadership and collaboration across marketing, media, and communication sectors.
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The Minister emphasized that marketing communication professionals are more than storytellers for brands, they are custodians of the nation's image.
"You have the creative power to counter misinformation, correct falsehoods, and inspire hope through authentic narratives about Nigeria.
Let your creativity be a bridge between perception and reality one that highlights our unity, resilience, and progress as a people."
Idris revealed that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation is restructuring its public information machinery to align with the realities of the digital age, where truth must travel faster than falsehood.
He noted that the National Values Charter, spearheaded by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), is being reinvigorated to restore the country's moral and ethical foundation truth, integrity, patriotism, and national pride.
"Our goal is simple Nigeria's story must be told by Nigerians themselves. Communication remains our strongest instrument for business, for governance, and for nation-building.
Let us use it wisely, creatively, and responsibly," he said.
Declaring the conference open, the Minister called on participants to embrace the theme "Marketing Communication: Transforming Business and Creating Growth in Challenging Times," describing it as timely and strategic for national recovery.
He added that the government would continue to partner with ARCON and other industry stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria's advertising and marketing ecosystem thrives under a transparent and enabling regulatory environment.
The event, attended by captains of industry, marketing experts, government officials, and academics, also featured exhibitions, panel sessions, and keynote addresses focused on innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices in marketing and communications.
