The Niger State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, has called for stronger collaboration and a unified approach to security communication across the state, stressing that insecurity remains a major concern to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The Commissioner made this known while receiving a delegation of the Forum of Security Spokespersons in Niger State (FOSSAN) during a courtesy visit to his office.
Hon. Nana emphasized that effective, coordinated, and responsible information management is critical to peace, public confidence, and stability in the state. He warned that unverified and conflicting security information could fuel panic, spread misinformation and disinformation, and undermine the efforts of security agencies.
According to him, the state government desired that all security spokespersons speak with one voice, guided by verified facts and a shared understanding of government security objectives, in line with the New Niger Agenda of the present administration.
He assured the Forum of the Ministry’s readiness to provide a platform for regular engagement and collaboration to ensure timely, accurate, and responsible dissemination of information to the public.
The Commissioner further noted that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago placed high priority on media and information management, especially in addressing security-related issues. He added that the Ministry would continue to work closely with security agencies to promote professionalism and consistency in public communication.
Hon. Nana also disclosed that a schedule of visits to relevant security stakeholders would soon be released to further strengthen collaboration and coordination.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Coordinator of FOSSAN in Niger State, CSP Rabiu Mohammed Shuaibu of the Nigerian Correctional Service, said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional synergy and partnership with the Ministry.
He explained that the Forum seek to harmonize security communications across agencies, reduce contradictions in public statements, and promote a common narrative that supports peace and security in the state.
CSP Shuaibu added that speaking with one voice would enhance public trust and strengthen inter-agency cooperation, particularly during security challenges. He disclosed that although the Forum was established over two decades ago, it is now being reinvigorated due to renewed interest and support from the Commissioner.
He reaffirmed the Forum’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry to improve security information management, promote synergy between security agencies and the media, and curb crime and insecurity across the state.
The delegation comprised spokespersons from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Federal and State Fire Services, Nigerian Police, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.
The visit ended with mutual assurances of sustained collaboration and regular engagement between the Ministry of Information and Orientation and FOSSAN in the interest of the safety and well-being of Niger State residents.
