Media’d focus on positive reporting of Nigeria’s economic reforms -Minister

…Stresses traditional leaders role in promoting peaceful co-existence

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has urged journalists and media outlets to report more positively on the economic situation, as the government faces criticism over its reforms from labor unions and civil society groups.

At the 21st Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, Idris said that foreign direct investment would not come to Nigeria if all the stories coming out of the country were negative.

He said the government was not asking people to ignore the challenges and problems facing Nigeria, but to also highlight the achievements and opportunities.

“Please let’s not downplay the positives for the negative,” the Minister said.

Idris also appealed for patience and support for the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has embarked on a series of economic reforms since taking office in 2023. The reforms include removing fuel subsidies, unifying the foreign exchange rate, and strengthening the tax system, which the government says are necessary to boost growth, reduce debt, and diversify the economy.

He said; “We know there’s hardship, but the government is working round the clock to turn the curve.

“Give the President an opportunity to make all these policies to come to fruition, and I know that Nigeria will be better for it.”

The Minister was responding to the concerns raised by the President of the National Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero who spoke at the same event and described the ordinary Nigerians as the losers of the reforms.

Ajaero said the reforms had increased the cost of living, reduced the purchasing power, and eroded the welfare of the workers. He called for a reversal of the reforms and a dialogue with the government to address the issues.

The Daily Trust Dialogue is an annual event organised by the Media Trust Group, the owners of the Daily Trust newspaper and Trust Television.

The theme of this year’s dialogue was ‘Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers.’

The event was attended by the former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Samsudeen Usman, former Director General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria Akai, Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, and other dignitaries, as well as representatives of civil society, academia, media, and business.

The event is part of the newspaper’s contribution to stimulating discussions among Nigerians and fellow Africans on the socio-political and economic development of the country and the continent.

In another development, the minister urged traditional institutions to foster harmonious relationships as guardians of traditions and culture.

During the presentation of the Staff of Office to the 27th Ohimege of Koton Karfe, HRH Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salisu, the Minister, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, emphasized the pivotal role of traditional rulers as links between the people and the government.

Applauding the Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello’s commitment to security and peaceful coexistence, the Minister commended the Governor’s bold decisions in strengthening democracy within the state.

He encouraged the residents of Koton Karfe Kingdom and the entire state to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration initiatives, aimed at propelling the country forward.

Governor Yahya Bello, while presenting the staff of office to the Ohimege of Koton Karfe, advised the traditional ruler to uphold the title for the benefit of the entire community.

Additionally, the Governor demonstrated his support by gifting the Ohimege of Koton Karfe three cars for his official assignments and promised to renovate the palace of the Ohimege to a standard modern palace.