The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen its communication strategy and deepen engagement with the media to improve public understanding of its economic policies and reform agenda.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Abuja.
Oyedele said widespread misunderstanding of government policies, especially on economic issues, had fueled misinformation and misplaced criticism, stressing that the government was determined to change the narrative through closer collaboration with financial journalists.
According to him, the Ministry of Finance intends to take a more proactive role in communicating its programmes and policies rather than allowing others to shape the narrative.
“There are many things we are doing and many more we intend to do. We want to be the ones projecting these activities instead of leaving the information to come from other quarters,” he said.
He explained that the meeting with FICAN was aimed at creating a more effective framework for government-media engagement to ensure that Nigerians receive accurate and timely information about economic policies.
The minister stressed that transparency and accountability are fundamental responsibilities of public service, adding that government has a duty to explain its actions and decisions to citizens, even when such policies generate controversy.
He disclosed plans to embark on extensive public enlightenment campaigns, noting that the success of such efforts would depend largely on the support of the media.
“Journalists, especially members of FICAN, are critical partners in helping Nigerians understand government policies and programmes,” he stated.
Oyedele maintained that an informed public is better equipped to hold government accountable, arguing that evidence-based criticism is more productive than vague allegations often circulated on social media.
He cited misconceptions surrounding Nigeria’s foreign reserves as an example of how lack of understanding can lead to misplaced public anger.
According to him, many Nigerians wrongly assume that funds in the country’s reserves can simply be spent to address domestic economic challenges, whereas such resources are governed by specific economic and financial realities.
The minister clarified that government was not seeking favourable media coverage but rather balanced and constructive reporting anchored on facts and measurable outcomes.
He hinted at more regular engagements with journalists in the coming months as part of a renewed strategy to foster better public understanding of government policies.
Earlier, Chairman of FICAN Abuja, Mr. Bassey Udo, commended Oyedele for maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists and for his willingness to engage the media on critical national issues.
Udo recalled the minister’s accessibility during discussions on tax reforms and assured him of the association’s continued support in educating Nigerians on government economic policies.
He described the media as a vital bridge between government and the people, especially at a time when the country faces significant economic challenges.
According to him, stronger collaboration between government and the media would help combat misinformation and ensure citizens are adequately informed about efforts being made to improve economic conditions.
The FICAN chairman also sought the minister’s support for the association’s programmes, including its quarterly publication, BusinessLine, which focuses on public enlightenment on finance, business and economic issues.
He further informed the minister that FICAN would invite him as Special Guest Speaker at its 2027 Annual General Meeting, where he is expected to speak on the theme: “The Fiscal Authority as a Catalyst to Realising the $1 Trillion Economy Agenda.”
Udo reaffirmed the association’s commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Finance and other economic agencies to support policies aimed at building a stronger and more resilient Nigerian economy.
