You can’t promote your country by downplaying it – FG warns Nigerians against Negative comments

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to refrain from making Negative comments about the country.

Speaking at the official launch of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NMRG) during a Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) event in Abuja on October 15, Idris emphasized that a strong national image attracts talent, tourists, and investors, which can help further strengthen the nation.

He cautioned that a weak national brand, fueled by negative remarks from Nigerians, could hinder opportunities for foreign direct investments from potential investors.

“This brings me to the way Nigerians talk about their country. We are the ones striving for foreign direct investments to come into our land. On the other hand, we are very quick to say all those things that will drive away investors and those who want to identify with us, he said

We must find a way to strike a true balance, especially for the media to report accurately, objectively, and with a sense of patriotism towards their country. I have always said that you can’t promote your country negatively while downplaying the positives. Therefore, there is a need to always promote our national image in a positive light.

A strong national asset attracts talents, tourists, and investors. These combinations will, in turn, further strengthen the country. The reverse is also true; a weak national brand discourages investments and talents, depriving a country of what it needs for national development.” he said