Senate Urges Adequate Funding for Information Ministry to Bridge Communication Gaps

The Senate has called for a revision of the proposed 2025 budget allocation for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, rejecting the current proposal on grounds of inadequacy.

The Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation Chairman, Senator Kenneth Eze, stated that the proposed budget falls short of enabling the Ministry and its agencies to effectively fulfil their statutory mandates. Speaking to journalists, he highlighted the critical role of the Ministry in communicating government policies and programmes to Nigerians, as well as gathering feedback from citizens, especially given the current state of the nation.

“The nation requires proper sensitisation and value reorientation,” Senator Eze remarked. He added that many government initiatives remain misunderstood due to insufficient public enlightenment, underscoring the need for increased investment in communication strategies.

Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, echoed these concerns, noting that inadequate funding for the Ministry has contributed to avoidable crises. He asserted that many conflicts could have been mitigated if citizens had been adequately informed about their causes and solutions.

During the budget defence session, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the importance of value reorientation for national development. He emphasised that public enlightenment is central to achieving the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it enables citizens to understand and support government reforms.

The Senate’s rejection of the budget proposal reflects its recognition of the Ministry’s pivotal role in fostering national unity and development through effective communication. Legislators have urged for a substantial review to ensure the Ministry is equipped to meet its objectives.