APC Commissioners of Information Pledge Stronger Collaboration on Government Communication

Commissioners of Information from states controlled by the All Progressives Congress have pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government in communicating policies, programmes, and achievements. This pledge was made at a meeting convened by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja. The meeting, attended by 20 commissioners, focused on addressing communication challenges and developing practical approaches to improving public understanding of government activities.

The meeting, which was convened by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was attended by Commissioners of Information from APC-controlled states. The commissioners, in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, emphasised the need for a common messaging framework across federal and state communication structures. They noted that consistent messaging would strengthen public engagement while allowing states to adapt information to their local languages, cultures, and community realities.

The commissioners also called for improved access to information on federal government projects, interventions, and social programmes. This, they said, would enable them to communicate the impact of these programmes accurately. Furthermore, they recognised the growing importance of digital communication and called for stronger engagement with social media platforms, local content creators, bloggers, and micro-influencers.

In addition to improving access to information, the commissioners stressed the need to improve media literacy and spokesperson preparation among government officials. They also emphasised the need for adequate resources to support effective communication, particularly at the state level. The commissioners expressed support for sustained engagement between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the campaign communication structure, and state information managers.

The commissioners also underscored the importance of responsible political communication and peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. They urged communicators to discourage inflammatory messaging and electoral violence. The commissioners resolved to continue the consultations through further meetings ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting was chaired by Sagir Musa Ahmed, the Honourable Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Jigawa State, and Chairman of the Progressive Commissioners of Information Forum. Ahmed noted that the meeting was a step towards ensuring that government communication is coordinated and effective. The commissioners are expected to continue their engagement with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The pledge by the commissioners is seen as a move to enhance government communication and engagement with the public. The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major test of the government's communication strategy. Three key points from the meeting include the need for a common messaging framework, improved access to information, and stronger engagement with digital communication platforms.

Key points

• The commissioners emphasised the need for a common messaging framework across federal and state communication structures.
• The commissioners called for improved access to information on federal government projects, interventions, and social programmes.
• The commissioners stressed the need for responsible political communication and peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.