The Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi has reaffirmed Nigeria’s pivotal role in sustaining peace, stability, and economic progress across West Africa, emphasizing that the country remains stable and firmly on a path of recovery and growth.
The Minister made this known at the Voice of Nigeria Forum 2026 held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s stability is intrinsically linked to that of the West African region, noting that a peaceful and democratic environment fosters investment, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
“For over five decades, Nigeria has remained at the forefront of promoting peace, democratic governance, and regional integration across West Africa,” he said.
Nigeria’s Lond standing Contributions
He highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding contributions through peacekeeping missions, mediation efforts, and support for democratic transitions, describing them as clear evidence of the country’s leadership role in the sub-region.
Wrong Narrative
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s stability, Idris dismissed claims suggesting the country is on the brink of collapse, describing such narratives as misleading and not reflective of current realities.
In his word, “We must reject the false narrative that Nigeria is collapsing. The facts show a country making steady progress in governance, security, and economic reforms,”.
On security, the Minister disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates ₦5.41 trillion to the sector the highest allocation aimed at strengthening military operations, improving intelligence coordination, and enhancing community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
He added that ongoing operations have resulted in the neutralisation of key terror commanders and the rescue of thousands of kidnapped victims.
Speaking on the economy, Idris noted that recent reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments, are stabilising public finances and improving growth prospects.
He added that inflation is easing, while global institutions project Nigeria’s economy to grow above the global average in 2026.
VON Critical Tool For Diplomacy
The Minister also underscored the role of the Voice of Nigeria in promoting Nigeria’s image globally and countering misinformation, describing it as a critical tool for public diplomacy.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, media, civil society, and international partners to sustain democracy and regional stability.
Mohammed Idris said , “Sustaining peace and democracy requires collective responsibility. We must strengthen institutions, promote accurate information, and deepen regional cooperation,”.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with regional and global partners to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development in West Africa.
Commendation
Idris also commended the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, for organising the forum, describing it as timely and impactful.
DG Voice of Nigeria – Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace
Theme
The theme of the 2nd VON Forum was: “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” .
It provided a strategic platform for reflection on Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States and its sustained efforts in promoting peace, security, and constitutional order across the sub-region.
Discussions at the forum addressed the emerging threats to democracy in the region, including unconstitutional changes of government, political instability, misinformation, and the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions and civic engagement.
Partner organisations for the forum were the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC).
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; the Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, Former Director Generals of VON, Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa and Osita Okechukwu, among other dignitaries.
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Sources: PR/VON/Media 360 Impact
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