Latest news with #InformationandNationalOrientation
Business Insider
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
What Global investors can learn from Nigeria's quiet democratic transformation
By Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Federal Republic of Nigeria When international media looks at Nigeria, the headlines often highlight our challenges—security concerns, economic pressures, or political tensions. But what's missing from that narrative is the quiet, crucial transformation Nigeria has sustained for over two decades: democratic stability. This year marks 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria. For a country that once cycled through coups and military regimes, this is not a minor milestone, it is the foundation upon which our economic future is being built. Political stability isn't just a governance metric; it's a business asset. In Nigeria, democratic continuity is unlocking bold reforms that were politically impossible under previous regimes. From the removal of long-standing petrol subsidies to the unification of foreign exchange markets, the country is taking difficult but necessary steps to restore macroeconomic confidence. These decisions are not without cost. But they are signals of serious intent: that Nigeria is ready to play by market rules, attract global investment, and provide policy clarity to businesses betting on Africa's future. As Minister of Information, I see firsthand how these reforms are being communicated, challenged, and reshaped in real time—not just in parliament halls or press briefings, but online, on the streets, and in the culture itself. Nigeria's youth—more than 70% of our population is under 30—are not spectators. They are critics, creators, and catalysts. They are using digital platforms to demand transparency, organize civic action, and scale startups that are changing how we move, bank, and work. In that sense, democracy here is more than just a political system—it is an engine of innovation. Nowhere is this more visible than in Nigeria's booming cultural economy. Afrobeats and Nollywood are global exports, but they're also civic expressions—pushing conversations around identity, equity, and justice. What began as entertainment has become a form of democratic storytelling, with global reach and real economic impact. But for democracy to work, it must deliver. That's the challenge we face now; not just to preserve freedoms, but to translate them into functioning schools, reliable infrastructure, fair courts, and jobs that offer dignity. This is the next chapter of Nigeria's democratic project: going beyond surviving, into thriving and tranforming. We understand the skepticism some investors might have. But we also invite them to look beyond the risks and see the fundamentals: a resilient democracy, an ambitious reform agenda, a cultural renaissance, and a massive, entrepreneurial population eager to build something lasting. Nigeria is not perfect. No country is. But we are persistent. And in a region grappling with democratic reversals, that persistence counts—for markets, for investors, and for the millions of citizens who continue to bet on democracy. --
The Star
21-06-2025
- The Star
Suspected suicide bomber kills 12 in Nigeria's Borno state
Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi speaks during a meeting where the Nigerian Navy announced the arrest of 76 vessels over oil theft in two years, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) -A suspected female suicide bomber killed at least 12 people and injured several others at a fish market on Friday night in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, police said on Saturday. Borno state police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso said in a statement that a woman with an improvised explosive device strapped to her body, infiltrated a crowd at the fish market before detonating it among civilians. Daso said those injured were taken to hospital. Local residents said at least 30 people were injured. Borno state is the heartland of an insurgency - primarily driven by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram - that has been raging for the past 16 years, killing thousands and displacing at least 2 million people, according to aid agencies. (Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Business Insider
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
"We must tell our success stories too" – Nigeria's information minister on 26 years of democratic growth
The Nigerian government has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its creative economy and reshaping the country's international image, as Nigeria celebrates 26 years of democracy. The Nigerian government aims to enhance its international image and attract investment by emphasizing positive narratives about the country. The government is integrating media literacy into education to empower youth with critical thinking and responsible content creation skills. Officials are encouraging citizens and media creators to highlight Nigeria's successes alongside its challenges to foster a balanced perspective. As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on citizens, particularly the media and content creators, to strike a balance in how they portray the nation, urging them to also tell our success stories alongside the challenges. Business Insider Africa spoke with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, about the nation's achievements over the years. According to the minister, telling positive stories about the country - whether in governance, innovation, entrepreneurship, or the creative sector, is not an exercise in propaganda but a strategic necessity. As Nigeria works to reposition its global image and attract international partnerships, he urged stakeholders to take ownership of the national narrative and project hope, resilience, and progress. " There are so many good things happening around Nigeria. You can't just keep selling only the bad stories. No country does that and progresses—especially at a time when we're seeking foreign direct investment. If we want investors to come, we also have to tell the positive stories about our country, so they can believe in it and be encouraged to invest." he said. Clarity in governance matters Following President Tinubu's inauguration, the government took bold decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. These reforms triggered a range of economic disruptions, leading to a sharp rise in fuel prices and general commodity costs across the country. As a result, the cost of living increased significantly, with many citizens experiencing reduced purchasing power, widespread hardship, and hunger. According to the minister, the Tinubu-led administration has remained fully aware of the situation and has consistently kept Nigerians updated on its economic policies and adjustment strategies. 'One thing this government consistently does is keep ordinary Nigerians informed about the steps it's taking to fix the country. President Tinubu has always emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency in all our processes. ' the minister said. Training and empowering youth in media and social media Beyond education, the administration is developing a range of programs aimed at engaging artists, media professionals, investors, and civil society groups to foster mutual understanding and drive sustainable growth in the sector. These efforts not only aim to elevate Nigeria's cultural profile but also to attract foreign direct investment, positioning the creative economy as a cornerstone of national development. Idris highlighted that the administration is developing a range of programs aimed at engaging artists, media professionals, investors, and civil society groups to foster mutual understanding and drive sustainable growth in the sector. These efforts not only aim to elevate Nigeria's cultural profile but also to attract foreign direct investment, positioning the creative economy as a cornerstone of national development. ' An inflow of over $200 million has been secured by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy through external funding. This will provide a major boost to the sector. We know that Nigerian youth have been making waves globally, especially across the African continent. ' "Our film industry, Nollywood, has gained significant recognition, and many young Nigerians are also excelling in music and other creative arts. These are powerful tools of communication with the world. Through arts and culture, we can promote Nigeria's image abroad and demonstrate that the country has been evolving and improving over the years.' He said Promoting positive narratives and national orientation The Minister of Information and national orientation highlighted the urgency of responsible social media use, stressing the need for targeted training programs for youth and influencers who play a major role in shaping public discourse and perceptions. As part of this comprehensive effort, the ministry said is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to embed media and information literacy into the national curriculum, beginning with the National Open University. This initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with the critical thinking and digital skills necessary to navigate today's media landscape. ' We are already working with the Ministry of Education to deepen this initiative so it can be replicated across other universities. The goal is for Nigerian youth not only to study geography, science, English, or mass communication, but also to gain media literacy—the ability to discern between good and bad information, between what is fake and what is real.'
