..INSECURITY A MAJOR CONCERN TO GOVERNOR BAGO.
The Niger State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, has called for stronger synergy and a unified voice in 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 noted that effective, coordinated, and responsible information management is critical to peace, public confidence, and stability in the state. He warned that unverified or conflicting security communication could fuel panic, spread misinformation, disinformation and outright lies which can undermine the efforts of security agencies.
According to him, the state government desires a situation where 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.
The Commissioner assured the Forum of the Ministry’s readiness to provide a platform for coordination, regular engagement, and collaboration with security communication officers to ensure timely, accurate, and responsible dissemination of strategic information to the public.
He further noted that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago places high priority on media and information management, particularly in addressing security-related issues, adding that the Ministry would continue to work closely with security agencies to promote professionalism and consistency in public communication.
Hon. Nana then proposed a judicious use of the platform to enhance coordination between the Ministry and FOSSAN, revealing a schedule of visits to relevant security stakeholders would be released soon to further strengthen the collaborations.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and coordinator of FOSSAN, 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 of Information and Orientation.
He explained that the Forum seeks 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 the 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 security issues across the state.
The Forum was represented by spokespersons from the Nigerian Correctional Services, Nigerian Customs, Federal and State Fire Service, the Nigerian Police, VIO, NDLEA among others. The courtesy visit concluded with mutual assurances of sustained collaboration and regular interface between the Ministry of Information and Orientation and FOSSAN in the interest of the safety and well-being of Niger State residents.