NCTC, NUJ Strengthen Capacity of Government Information Officers to Tackle Security Challenges

"Uphold national values and present Nigeria’s story accurately, while reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with security agencies in combating misinformation and hate speech." Minister of Information urges Information Officers.

In its quest to tackle the security challenges in the country, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Information Chapel, has successfully conducted a capacity-building workshop for Information and Public Relations Officers from Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The one-day capacity-building workshop took place at the Headquarters of the NCTC on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Abuja.

Themed; “Empowering the Messenger: Innovative Approaches to Public Information in the Face of Security Challenges,” the workshop explored the pivotal role of government information managers in navigating today’s evolving communication environment, particularly in the context of national security.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chinasa Nnam Ogbodo delivered the keynote address. 

Minister Idris commended the NCTC for its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and stability, stressing that timely, factual, and relevant information is essential to fostering public trust and unity. He urged information officers to uphold national values and present Nigeria’s story accurately, while reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with security agencies in combating misinformation and hate speech.

In his welcome remarks, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, underscored the need for public information officers to shape narratives, influence public perception, and strengthen national cohesion amid digital disruption and complex security threats. He explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with innovative tools, global best practices, and a deeper understanding of modern communication strategies to counter extremist ideologies and misinformation.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, mnipr, Director-General/CEO of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), emphasized the need to win the “battle for hearts and minds” as a cornerstone of national stability.

Similarly, Mr. Salihu Dembos, Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), represented by Hajia Alima Musa stressed the importance of trust-building and factual reporting in counter-terrorism efforts.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by the Director of Communication and Media, Mr. Bala Musa reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to sustaining impactful national information strategies in collaboration with the NCTC.

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon, who delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledged the contributions of retired Major General Chris Olukolade and expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister, the NCTC, and other partners. He appealed for sustained training initiatives for members of the NUJ Federal Information Chapel to further strengthen their professional capacity.

The one-day workshop featured expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, and practical exercises on public relations, crisis communication, and responsible media engagement. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Wofai Paul Ikpi, Chief Information Officer, NCTC-ONSA.