Strengthening national security is top in Tinubu's administration - Minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated that bolstering national security remains a central focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the continuation of the 7th ministerial briefing on Wednesday, Idris highlighted the government’s substantial investments in acquiring modern equipment for security agencies, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding the nation.
He also urged journalists to refrain from giving undue prominence to bandits and terrorists in their reportage, warning that such coverage could inadvertently amplify their agenda.
The briefing featured the minister of defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Bello Matawalle, and the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas.
In his opening remarks, Idris noted: “As many of you are aware, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity is the second pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This emphasis on security underscores a fundamental truth: no nation can achieve sustainable development without peace and stability.”
“The Tinubu administration has demonstrated this resolve not merely through words, but through concrete actions – including the acquisition of advanced platforms and armaments, enhanced intelligence gathering, intensive training and retraining of personnel, and strategic global partnerships.”
The minister therefore urged the media to support the military in its discharge of its responsibility.
He said: “The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices. Our armed forces are not only respected by global allies but also feared by those who threaten our collective peace.
“It is equally important to recognize that the fight against insecurity is not limited to kinetic approaches. It is also a battle for the hearts and minds of our people – one that terrorist groups are actively exploiting through propaganda, especially on social media platforms.
“I therefore call on our media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage. We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives. These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.
“Let us remember that responsible and patriotic journalism is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria – one that holds promise not just for our nation, but for the stability and development of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent at large.”
The minister also stressed that the Ministerial Briefing presents a vital opportunity for both ministers to update Nigerians on the key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and policy directions of the Ministries.
He added, “Through this interactive platform, which is being broadcast live on national television stations and streamed across social media platforms, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement.
“Let me reiterate that every minister will have the opportunity to address the public through this platform in the build-up to the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.”
