Abuja, Nigeria
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying a strong and sustainable foundation for long-term economic growth and shared prosperity, despite the short-term difficulties arising from ongoing reforms.
The minister gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving members of the Grassroots Advocacy for Tinubu (GAT) 2027 during a courtesy visit, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim.
Idris said the Tinubu administration had deliberately taken bold and sometimes difficult policy decisions aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and repositioning the country for sustainable development.
“The administration has taken bold and sometimes difficult decisions to place Nigeria on a more sustainable path,” the minister said. “Early signs of recovery are already becoming evident across key sectors of the economy.”
According to Idris, the reforms introduced by the federal government are designed to address long-standing structural weaknesses in the economy, noting that while the process has been challenging, the early indicators show that the economy is beginning to respond positively.
He explained that stabilising the economy and rebuilding investor confidence were key priorities of the administration, stressing that the gains recorded so far must be protected through unity, responsible communication and collective support for national policies.
“What we are seeing today are the foundations for long-term growth and shared prosperity,” the minister said. “Nigeria’s improving economic outlook must be protected through unity, responsible communication and collective support for national policies.”
The minister warned that negative or distorted narratives about the country could undermine the progress being made, weaken investor confidence and ultimately slow national development.
“When we project stability and unity, we attract investments and create opportunities for our people,” he added, urging Nigerians to speak truthfully and responsibly about the nation.
Idris commended the GAT 2027 group for its civic engagement and its efforts to promote accurate information in the public space, describing advocacy groups as essential partners in deepening democratic engagement and strengthening national cohesion.
He welcomed the group’s proposal for a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Agency in areas such as public enlightenment, youth engagement and strategic communication.
According to the minister, effective communication is central to national stability and development, especially at a time when misinformation can spread rapidly and distort public understanding of government policies.
“Advocacy groups play a crucial role in helping government policies reach the grassroots,” he said. “When citizens understand policies clearly, it builds trust, strengthens unity and supports national progress.”
The minister also reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a Nigeria that works for all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity or background.
He assured the delegation that the ministry would continue to work with credible civil society and advocacy groups to ensure accurate information about government policies is widely shared and properly understood.
“The president is committed to building an inclusive Nigeria where no one is left behind,” Idris said. “We will continue to partner with responsible groups that are committed to truth, unity and national development.”
Earlier, the National Coordinator of GAT 2027, Prof. Ochugudu Ipuele, said the group visited the minister to formally brief him on its activities and to express solidarity with his mandate of informing Nigerians and clarifying government policies.
“We are here to solidarise with you on the mandate you have for Nigeria, which is to inform the country, clarify government policies and take information to the grassroots,” Ipuele said.
He added that the group was committed to supporting the president’s reform agenda by countering misinformation, especially during election periods, and by actively engaging young people.
“This group is poised to respond in real time to false or misleading information in the public space and to engage the youth,” he said.
The meeting ended with both sides expressing a commitment to closer collaboration in public communication and civic engagement as the federal government continues to implement its economic and governance reforms.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly defended its reform agenda as necessary to reset Nigeria’s economy and create a stronger base for long-term growth, even as citizens continue to grapple with short-term pressures linked to the transition.