The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu‘s directive for periodic press briefings by cabinet members is aimed at enhancing transparency, following concerns that some ministers have not been providing adequate accountability.
The new policy, set to begin next week, will require ministers to update Nigerians on government policies and activities through regular engagements with the media.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this development in Abuja, stressing that the directive aligns with Tinubu’s longstanding emphasis on accountability.
Meanwhile, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reaffirmed this position, stating, “The President has always insisted that ministers should render accounts.
People want to know what they have been doing, but not all of them have been doing so.”
He added that the initiative is not linked to any cabinet reassessment or reshuffle but is purely a mechanism to keep the public informed.
Furthermore, a source close to the President, who requested anonymity, supported Onanuga’s claims, explaining that this move is a continuation of an existing practice rather than a new evaluation measure.
“I don’t believe it’s about assessment. This is nothing new. They have been doing it before, and this is just a reiteration,” the source stated.
The directive is expected to reinforce the government’s commitment to openness and ensure that citizens remain informed about governance at the highest levels.
By mandating regular ministerial briefings, Tinubu’s administration aims to bridge the communication gap between the government and the people.
Moreover, this approach is expected to foster greater public trust and engagement by allowing Nigerians to track the progress of government policies firsthand.
