The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to help correct what he described as persistent misrepresentations portraying Nigeria as a country that violates religious freedom.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of ActionAid Nigeria in Abuja, Idris said CSOs must play a stronger role in providing evidence-based analysis to counter false narratives, particularly those suggesting a “Christian genocide” in the country.
The minister insisted that Nigeria is not a violator of religious liberty, stressing that such freedoms are explicitly guaranteed in the Constitution. While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, he noted that government interventions are yielding results and warned against narratives that distort Nigeria’s reality and damage relations with international partners, especially the United States.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s duty to protect its citizens, particularly children, saying: “Our children must be safe in their schools, safe in their communities, and safe in their homes.” He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, which involves new recruitment into security agencies, strengthened support for state-level security formations, and ongoing legislative efforts toward establishing state police.
Describing the declaration as a “turning point” in the fight against terrorism and banditry, he urged CSOs to intensify their advocacy for open governance, media freedom, digital literacy, and community development. He commended ActionAid’s contributions in these areas, calling them “complementary and invaluable” to Nigeria’s progress.
As chairman of the anniversary celebration, Idris praised ActionAid Nigeria for its 25 years of service, highlighting its work in women and girls’ empowerment, education, healthcare, governance reforms, crisis response, and grassroots development.
“For a quarter of a century, ActionAid has taken development to the frontlines,” he said, acknowledging the organisation’s role in shaping policy and supporting vulnerable communities. He also unveiled the prototype for a new ActionAid building, which he described as a symbol of the organisation’s growth and long-term commitment to Nigeria.
ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, reflected on the organisation’s journey, describing its 25-year struggle against poverty as “a struggle of conviction, not convenience.” He said ActionAid’s mission has been to challenge structural injustice and empower marginalised groups.
“We have chosen to take sides with women denied their rights, with youth denied their voices, and with communities denied opportunities,” Mamedu said. “To end poverty, we must confront the structural injustice that creates it.”
Mamedu reaffirmed that ActionAid’s work is rooted in partnership with affected communities, not in charity or saviourism, adding that the organisation will remain committed to dismantling the systems that perpetuate exclusion.
