The Federal Government has called for careful and responsible use of language in security operations, media reporting, and public discourse, cautioning that careless or inaccurate definitions can deepen societal divisions and weaken national unity.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, spoke at a high-level conference organized by the Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research Nigeria (WISER), themed “Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa.”
He was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Dr. Dili Ezughah.
“Definitions are not neutral; they influence how communities are perceived and treated.
Careless or inaccurate language can reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions, and erode trust between citizens and institutions,” the Minister stated.
He stressed the need to separate criminal acts from ethnic or religious identities to maintain social cohesion.
Minister Idris highlighted ongoing initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, including the National Values Charter, which promotes accountability, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
He noted that the National Orientation Agency is driving campaigns for responsible citizenship, countering harmful narratives, and strengthening citizen engagement.
On security matters, the Minister affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture against terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.
He disclosed a phased framework for transitioning to state policing over a 60-month period, designed with safeguards to prevent political misuse.
He also called on media practitioners to uphold professionalism, particularly in the digital age, emphasizing that reporting must be accurate, verified, and context-sensitive to avoid misinformation.
Minister Idris further urged regional cooperation across West Africa to promote responsible communication frameworks that support security and social cohesion.
“Security is not only about protecting territory; it is about protecting people, their dignity, and their sense of belonging.
Trust begins with fairness—in actions, in policies, and in language,” he concluded.
