The Federal Government has pledged to deepen collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, communities and citizens as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and drive development.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the commitment in Abuja on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd.).
Idris described the meeting as an opportunity to build a stronger working relationship with the newly established Office of the Special Adviser and improve how the government communicates its security policies and initiatives to Nigerians.
“Peace and security are essential elements; in fact, they are the building blocks of any development that can happen anywhere,” the minister said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges could not be solved through military action alone, arguing that lasting peace would require coordinated efforts by the armed forces, security agencies, government institutions, communities, the media and the public.
“You cannot shoot yourself out of this problem. Security requires collaboration between the security agencies, the armed forces and the general public,” Idris said.
The minister also highlighted the role of the National Orientation Agency and other bodies under his ministry in building community resilience, promoting responsible citizenship and ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information.
He identified fake news, misinformation and disinformation as growing national security threats, calling for more responsible communication and stronger media and information literacy among Nigerians.
Famadewa said the visit was intended to establish a strong partnership with the ministry, noting that information and public education had become vital tools in modern homeland security.
According to him, the office will focus on unified intelligence and surveillance, stronger border security, improved threat identification, and more effective systems for reporting and responding to crises.
“Information is key in asymmetric warfare. The first person to speak wins, and we cannot sit back and allow others to shape perception for us,” Famadewa said.
Idris assured the special adviser of the ministry’s full cooperation, saying improved coordination, strategic communication and active citizen participation would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
