‎FG To Strengthen Media Engagement For Better Understanding Of Economic Policies

The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen its communication and engagement with the media as part of efforts to improve public understanding of its economic policies and reform agenda.
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‎The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, made the commitment during a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria, FICAN in Abuja.
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‎Oyedele said widespread misunderstanding of government policies, particularly on economic issues, had contributed to misconceptions among the public, stressing that the government would work more closely with financial journalists to provide accurate information and educate citizens.
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‎According to him, the Ministry of Finance intends to take a more proactive role in communicating its activities and policies rather than allowing narratives to be driven by other institutions. He said the engagement with FICAN was aimed at improving collaboration and establishing a more effective framework for government-media relations.
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‎The Minister emphasized that transparency and accountability are fundamental obligations of public service, noting that government must continually explain its policies, decisions and actions to citizens, even where disagreements exist. He added that the media remains a critical partner in ensuring that such information reaches the public responsibly and accurately.
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‎Oyedele disclosed plans to intensify public education campaigns on economic issues, saying their success would depend largely on the support of journalists. He noted that an informed citizenry is better equipped to hold government accountable through fact based criticism and constructive feedback rather than speculation or misinformation.
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‎Highlighting the challenge of public misconceptions, he cited widespread misunderstandings about Nigeria’s foreign reserves, explaining that reserve funds cannot simply be deployed domestically to address economic hardship. Such misconceptions, he said, often result in misplaced criticism and distract attention from the real issues requiring policy intervention.
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‎The Minister clarified that the government was not seeking favourable coverage from the media but rather balanced and objective reporting based on facts and measurable outcomes. He also hinted at more engagements with journalists in the coming months as part of a renewed communication strategy.
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‎Responding on behalf of the association, FICAN Chairman, Mr. Bassey Udo, commended the Minister for maintaining an open relationship with the media, particularly during the tax reform process when he made himself available to engage journalists on key policy issues.
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‎Udo assured the Ministry of FICAN’s continued support in promoting public understanding of government programmes, describing the media as a vital bridge between government and citizens. He stressed that closer collaboration between both parties would help combat misinformation and ensure Nigerians are better informed about economic policies and efforts aimed at improving living conditions.
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‎The FICAN Chairman also sought the Minister’s support for the association’s programmes, including its quarterly publication and informed him of plans to invite him as Special Guest Speaker at the association’s 2027 Annual General Meeting with the theme, “The Fiscal Authority as a Catalyst to Realizing the $1 Trillion Economy Agenda.”
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‎He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Finance and other economic institutions to support policies aimed at building a stronger and more inclusive Nigerian economy.
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‎Umbwanko Baba, Edited By Grace Namiji