By Jelili Gbadamosi
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains open to feedback from Nigerians and is willing to adjust its policies where necessary based on public concerns.
Idris stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by its Director-General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo.
According to the minister, the role of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation goes beyond explaining government policies to citizens, as it also serves as a channel through which the views and concerns of Nigerians are communicated back to the government.
He said President Tinubu regularly seeks to know the views of Nigerians, adding that public feedback remains an important part of the administration’s decision-making process.
“Whenever I sit with him, the first question he asks is: ‘What are Nigerians saying?’” Idris said.
The minister explained that the approach allows government policies to remain responsive to the realities faced by citizens, noting that governance requires continuous engagement and adjustments when necessary.
He further highlighted the role of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which he said has more than 800 offices across the country and can provide government with grassroots-level information from farmers, artisans and other members of the public.
Meanwhile, Idris assured the NIPSS delegation of the ministry’s support for its research into Nigeria’s creative economy, which is the focus of the institute’s Senior Executive Course 48.
Omotayo had earlier disclosed that NIPSS selected the “Orange Economy” as the theme for this year’s course, with the research examining the sector’s opportunities, challenges and potential contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He said the participants had visited seven states in Nigeria and several countries to study creative industries and gather relevant data.
Omotayo also revealed plans by NIPSS to organise a National Summit and Exhibition on the Orange Economy to bring stakeholders together and showcase the sector’s economic potential.
According to him, the creative economy encompasses about 48 areas and has significant potential to create wealth and employment, particularly through Nigeria’s rapidly growing music and entertainment industry.
He said the sector could become a major solution to the country’s unemployment challenge and urged the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to partner with NIPSS in organising and promoting the proposed summit.
The former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was also present at the meeting.
