By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has pledge that the Federal Government will strengthen its communication and engagement with the media to improve public understanding of its economic policies and reform agenda.
Oyedele made the commitment on Thursday during a meeting with the executive members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Abuja, stressing the need for closer collaboration with financial journalists to bridge information gaps and enhance public awareness of government policies.
According to the minister, widespread misconceptions about economic issues and government policies have contributed to public misunderstanding, a situation the administration is determined to address through more proactive and transparent communication.
He said the Ministry of Finance intends to take greater ownership of communicating its activities and policies, rather than leaving the narrative to other institutions or groups.
“There is a lot we are doing and much more we intend to do. We want to be the ones projecting these activities, rather than having the information come from the State House or other groups,” he said.
Oyedele explained that the engagement with FICAN was aimed at improving efficiency and establishing a framework for more effective collaboration between the government and the media.
He emphasized that transparency and accountability are fundamental to public service, noting that government has a responsibility to explain its policies and decisions to citizens, even where disagreements exist.
The minister disclosed plans to intensify public enlightenment initiatives, adding that such efforts would have limited impact without the support of the media.
He described journalists, particularly members of FICAN, as key partners in educating Nigerians on economic policies and reforms.
He said such misunderstanding led citizens to direct misplaced anger at the government over issues that could not be resolved in the manner being suggested, resulting in wasted energy without addressing the underlying problem.
The Minister clarified that the government was not asking the media to portray its policies in an entirely positive light, noting that doing so would be counterproductive.
Rather, he urged journalists to be constructive and balanced in their reportage, while basing their assessments on facts and verifiable impact.
He also hinted at further engagements with the media in the coming weeks and months as part of the government’s renewed communication strategy, and challenged journalists to reflect on how information consumption shapes public perception of governance.
Responding on behalf of the Association, the Chairman of FICAN Abuja, Mr. Bassey Udo, commended the Minister for his longstanding relationship with the media, recalling his availability to engage journalists during the tax reform process, including a session in Abuja where the Minister responded at short notice, a gesture he said members of the Association still appreciated.
Udo assured the Minister of FICAN’s continued cooperation in helping the government publicize its activities for the proper and effective education of the public, describing the media as a vital bridge between the government and the people, and the primary channel through which citizens are informed about government policies and programmes.
He stressed that at a time of significant economic difficulty for the country, the government and the media needed to work more closely together to adequately inform citizens about ongoing developments and the steps being taken to improve their living conditions, particularly regarding the economy.
He noted that a strong partnership between government and the media would help shield the public from the dangers of misinformation.
The FICAN Chairman further solicited the Minister’s support for the Association’s programmes, particularly the publication of its quarterly newsmagazine, _BusinessLine, which was established as a platform for public enlightenment on government policies bordering on finance, business, and the economy.
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He also informed the Minister of FICAN’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for February next year, disclosing that members had resolved to invite him as Special Guest Speaker on the theme: “The Fiscal Authority as a Catalyst to Realizing the $1 Trillion Economy Agenda.”
Udo pledged FICAN’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Finance, alongside monetary authorities, to support the implementation of policies aimed at building a strong and virile economy that benefits all Nigerians.
