The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to lasting peace and security in all regions in the country.

Idris said this on Friday at the end of 2026 South East Security Summit during a breakfast interactive session with journalists held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

He said the federal government was firmly committed to ensuring lasting peace and security in all regions.

He noted that the theme of this summit, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” captured an enduring truth that “security cannot be delivered by the government alone.”

The minister said, “Security is the bedrock of national development. Without peace, investment retreats. Without security, businesses struggle to grow, farms cannot flourish, schools cannot function effectively, and communities are denied the opportunity to realise their full potential.

“The South-east occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s national life. The people are renowned for enterprise, innovation and resilience; its people made enormous contributions to the country’s economic development.

“The federal government, therefore, remains fully committed to ensuring lasting peace and security across the region.”

Idris said for that reason, the federal government remained firmly committed to ensuring that every community across the South-east enjoyed lasting peace and security.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently affirmed that protecting lives and property is the foremost responsibility of the government. 

“Guided by this principle, the Renewed Hope administration has adopted a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial accountability, economic development and strategic partnerships,” he said.

He continued: “The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that security and development are inseparable. Communities with quality infrastructure, education, employment and economic opportunities are naturally more resilient against crime and extremism.

“This understanding informs the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, which is strengthening coordination among regional development commissions. 

“Through the South East Development Commission, the government is accelerating infrastructure renewal, stimulating economic activity, and addressing the region’s development priorities.”

According to him, “Across the South-east and indeed the country, the federal government is investing in major road projects, rail modernisation, power infrastructure and digital connectivity to improve mobility, facilitate commerce and attract private investment.

“The Administration is also investing in Nigeria’s greatest resource – its people. Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), thousands of students now have access to interest-free loans for higher education. 

“Youth empowerment programmes, digital skills initiatives, entrepreneurship support and expanded access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are creating opportunities for productive engagement.”

Idris also noted that, “These are not merely economic initiatives; they are strategic investments in national security. Every young Nigerian empowered through education or enterprise is less vulnerable to criminal recruitment and violent extremism.

“Today’s security challenges are fought not only on the battlefield, but also in the information space. Criminal groups increasingly exploit misinformation, disinformation and hate speech to spread fear, divide communities and weaken national cohesion.

“That is why communication has become an essential pillar of national security. Through the National Orientation Agency and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the federal government is promoting media literacy, responsible digital citizenship and the critical thinking skills needed to reject falsehoods and extremist propaganda.”

He said further that “in today’s digital age,” every citizen had a responsibility not only to consume information responsibly, but also to ensure that what they shared contributed to peace rather than division.

“The media also remains an indispensable partner in nation-building. I commend journalists who continue to uphold professionalism and encourage all media practitioners to resist sensationalism and avoid amplifying narratives that serve criminal interests.”

Stakeholders, policing

The minister said, “Traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and civil society likewise have vital roles in promoting dialogue, strengthening social cohesion and encouraging cooperation with security agencies. 

“Equally important is the active participation of citizens, whose vigilance and timely intelligence remain among our strongest tools for preventing attacks and disrupting criminal networks.

“One of the most important national conversations today concerns the future of policing in Nigeria. The on-going constitutional process on state police presents an important opportunity to strengthen grassroots policing and bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve.” 

According to him, “Having progressed through the National Assembly, the next constitutional milestone rests with the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states.

“This is, therefore, a defining moment for broad national engagement. I therefore encourage governors, state legislatures, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, professional bodies, and the media to engage constructively in this important constitutional process.” 

Common objective

The minister also said, “Whatever our perspectives, we share a common goal of building a policing system that is more responsive, accountable and effective while preserving the unity and constitutional integrity of our nation.

“Peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, of opportunity, of inclusion, and of hope.

“The South-east has always been defined by enterprise, resilience, industry and ingenuity. Those enduring values must remain stronger than the forces that seek to undermine them.

“As we conclude this summit, let us renew our commitment to stronger cooperation among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, faith communities, civil society and citizens.” 

Again, he said, “Let us support constitutional reforms that strengthen grassroots policing. Let us reject misinformation, resist the voices of division and work together to build communities founded on trust, justice and shared prosperity.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the federal government will continue to partner with the people of the South-East to ensure that this region remains a place where businesses flourish, communities thrive and every child can dream without fear.

“When the South-east is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the federal government.”