BY COBHAM NSA – The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, says the Federal Government is is ramping up media engagement to strengthen its communication and improve public understanding of the current administration’s economic policies and reform agenda.
He said given widespread misconceptions about economic issues and government policies, there is an urgent need for closer collaboration with financial journalists to bridge information gaps and enhance public awareness of government policies and good intentions.
Speaking when he met with the executive members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Abuja on Thursday, Oyedele said the Finance Ministry will take greater ownership of communicating its activities and policies, rather than leaving the narrative to other institutions or groups.
He acknowledged that existing information gaps have fueled public misunderstanding of government policies, vowing that the administration will now deploy a more proactive and transparent communication framework to set the record straight.
According to the Minister, “There is a lot we are doing and much more we intend to do. We want to be the ones projecting these activities, rather than having the information come from the State House or other groups”, even as he explained that the engagement with FICAN was aimed at improving efficiency and establishing a framework for more effective collaboration between the government and the media.
Also emphasizing that transparency and accountability are fundamental to public service, he said government has a responsibility to explain its policies and decisions to citizens, even where disagreements exist, but admitted that plans to intensify public enlightenment initiatives would have limited impact without robust media engagement and support.
Oyedele, who described journalists, particularly members of FICAN, as key partners in educating Nigerians on economic policies and reforms, said the importance of informed public discourse cannot be overemphasized because citizens who understand economic issues are better positioned to hold government accountable.
Maintaining that evidence-based criticism and factual feedback were more effective in driving policy improvements than vague allegations and misinformation, the Minister dismissed widespread misconceptions surrounding Nigeria’s foreign reserves, saying the reserve assets are strictly financial buffers and cannot be casually liquidated to fund domestic relief programs.
He urged the public to rely on factual feedback and constructive dialogue, cautioning that misinformation and baseless allegations only obstruct meaningful policy reform, especially as the government focuses efforts on tackling economic hardship, contrary to assumptions in the public domain.
Oyedele stated that the government is not looking for media cheerleaders, but constructive, and data-backed scrutiny based on facts and measurable outcomes, hinting that a more transparent public relations approach will be unveiled with a series of upcoming interactive sessions with journalists to reshape how public policies are reported.
In his remarks, the Chairman of FICAN Abuja, Mr. Bassey Udo, praised the Minister for his longstanding openness and accessibility to journalists, acknowledging his responsiveness during the tax reform consultations.
Assuring the Minister of FICAN’s continued support in promoting public understanding of government policies, Bassey described the media as a critical link between government and citizens, noting that the prevailing economic challenges demand closer partnership between government and the media.
He said besides ensuring Nigerians are adequately informed about policy measures aimed at improving living conditions and stimulating economic growth, a strong partnership between both parties would also help counter misinformation, strengthen public confidence and trust.
The FICAN Chairman, who pleaded with the Minister to back the association’s programs, highlighting its quarterly publication, BusinessLine, as a vital tool for public enlightenment on finance and the economy, also invited him as the Special Guest Speaker at FICAN’s upcoming Annual General Meeting in February 2027 with the theme: “The Fiscal Authority as a Catalyst to Realising the $1 Trillion Economy Agenda.
He underscored this vision by pledging FICAN’s unwavering alliance with the Finance Ministry and key economic regulators, framing the partnership as a critical pillar in forging a more robust and shock-resistant Nigerian economy.
