Information Minister Seeks Collaboration with Interior Ministry to Improve Government Communication
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday called for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Interior to improve communication between the Federal Government and the Nigerian public.
Idris made the call during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, where he said the Information Ministry was committed to ensuring that government reforms and initiatives are effectively communicated to citizens.
According to him, the ministry’s role is to bridge the gap between government activities and public awareness by ensuring that Nigerians are properly informed about policies and reforms implemented by the administration.
He explained that the ministry had begun engaging key government institutions directly rather than relying solely on press briefings, noting that such interactions would help align messaging and ensure accurate dissemination of information.
Idris said the visit formed part of efforts to better understand the reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Interior, particularly in areas such as visa processes, immigration administration and correctional services.
He also noted that since the administration of President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the government had embarked on several reforms aimed at repositioning the country’s economy.
According to the minister, major policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms have driven other policy initiatives designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economic outlook.
He added that the Ministry of Information intends to amplify reforms implemented by various ministries in order to improve public understanding and ensure that government policies are clearly communicated in the digital age.
Idris also stressed the need for coordinated communication on issues relating to security, particularly between the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies.
Responding, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, welcomed the initiative and described collaboration between the two ministries as essential for effective information dissemination.
Tunji-Ojo noted that while the Ministry of Interior is responsible for citizenship administration and internal security-related institutions, the Ministry of Information plays a critical role in shaping national orientation.
He said the ministry oversees several agencies including the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service and the National Identity Management Commission.
The minister also highlighted progress made by the government in addressing passport-related challenges since 2023.
According to him, the administration inherited a backlog of more than 204,000 passport applications, which he said was cleared within two and a half weeks.
Tunji-Ojo further explained that the government had introduced reforms to simplify passport renewal processes, particularly for Nigerians living abroad.
He said the introduction of a contactless passport application system now allows Nigerians in the diaspora to renew their passports online using their mobile devices, with the documents delivered directly to their homes.
The minister added that the reforms have helped reduce travel costs, waiting time and logistical challenges previously faced by Nigerians seeking passport renewal services abroad.
He disclosed that more than 3.5 million passports have been issued since 2023, noting that the government has also taken steps to maintain the security and integrity of Nigeria’s passport system while improving service delivery.
