Proposed Funding Reduction For Information Ministry Could Undermine Public Communication – HOR

The National Assembly has raised concerns over a proposed reduction in capital funding for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, warning it could weaken public communication and voter sensitisation ahead of next year’s general election.

The Joint Committee on Information and National Orientation expressed the concerns after reviewing the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal.

The committee said the ministry’s proposed capital allocation is roughly 70% of its 2025 budget, a significant drop that could affect ongoing and planned programmes.

Addressing newsmen after a closed door session, the Chairman House committee, information and national Orientation Olushola Fatoba, said the reduction could impede efforts to educate citizens on government policies, disseminate timely information, and counter misinformation.

“Effective public communication is vital for democracy and electoral participation.

According to him, the committee will engage with the leadership of the National Assembly to review this proposal and, if necessary, escalate the matter to President Bola Tinubu,”

Also speaking Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Muhammed Idris said the ministry’s current funding is insufficient to meet the demands of public information management, particularly in a fast-evolving digital media environment.

He urged lawmakers to approve additional funds to support government media organisations, strengthen public communication infrastructure, and enhance citizen engagement.

The ministry oversees several agencies, including the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Television Authority, which are responsible for nationwide news dissemination and public education campaigns.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji