By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has pledged to strengthen the Federal Government’s communication and engagement with the media to improve public understanding of its economic policies and reform agenda.
Oyedele made the commitment during a meeting with the executive members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Abuja.
According to the minister, widespread misunderstanding of government policies, particularly economic reforms, has contributed to misinformation and misplaced public criticism. He said the government intends to address this challenge by working closely with the media, especially financial journalists, to ensure citizens are better informed.
“There are a lot of things we are doing, and a lot more we will do. We want to be the ones projecting these activities rather than having the narrative shaped by others,” he said.
Oyedele explained that the meeting was part of efforts to improve efficiency in government communication and establish a more effective framework for engagement with the media.
He stressed that transparency and accountability remain fundamental responsibilities of public service, noting that government must continually explain its policies, decisions and actions to citizens, even in areas where disagreements may exist.
The minister disclosed plans to intensify public education initiatives on economic policies, adding that such efforts would achieve greater impact through collaboration with the media.
He further argued that an informed citizenry is better equipped to hold government accountable, emphasizing the need for fact-based criticism rather than vague allegations.
Citing misconceptions about Nigeria’s foreign reserves, Oyedele noted that many Nigerians wrongly assume reserve funds can be directly deployed to address domestic economic challenges, leading to misplaced expectations and public frustration.
He clarified that the government was not seeking favourable media coverage but rather balanced and constructive reporting grounded in facts and measurable outcomes.
The minister also hinted at more engagements with journalists in the coming months as part of a renewed communication strategy aimed at enhancing public understanding of government policies.
Responding, FICAN Chairman, Mr. Bassey Udo, commended Oyedele for maintaining an open relationship with the media, recalling his accessibility to journalists during discussions on tax reforms.
Udo assured the minister of the association’s support in helping to communicate government policies and programmes to the public, describing the media as a critical bridge between government and citizens.
He noted that at a time of economic challenges, closer collaboration between government and the media was essential to combat misinformation and provide citizens with accurate information on efforts to improve economic conditions.
The FICAN chairman also sought the minister’s support for the association’s programmes, including its quarterly publication, BusinessLine, which focuses on public enlightenment on finance, business and economic issues.
He further informed the minister of FICAN’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for February next year, where Oyedele is expected to serve as Special Guest Speaker on the theme, “The Fiscal Authority as a Catalyst to Realizing the $1 Trillion Economy Agenda.”
Udo reaffirmed FICAN’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.
