Alhaji Biola Lawal, the Acting Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has attributed most negative criticism of government policies to lack of adequate information to Nigerians by government ministries and agencies.
Lawal said this on Friday in Abuja when Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, featured on the agency`s news programme – The NANForum.
The Minister was at the forum to highlight the ministry’s achievements and plans to ensure that the mining sector contributed significantly to the country`s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among other things.
Lawal emphasised the need for Ministries and parastatals to assist the federal government by utilising the unique NAN news and projection platforms to get adequate accurate information on government policies, achievements and plans to the citizenry.
He noted that people criticise government negatively when they do not have adequate information on its programmes and policies.
“It is not enough to say people are negatively criticising government when we are not dishing out enough accurate information on its programmes and policies.
Lawal, who is a former Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, reiterated the need for government ministries and agencies especially to take advantage of NAN various news platforms to keep Nigerians abreast of their activities.
The NAN Acting Boss added that NAN had various platforms through which it transmits news materials to its clients within and outside the country, saying, ”NAN reach is unbeatable”.
He emphasised that the NAN is known for its publishing accurate information to the public always through its media clients both within and outside the country.
“There is need for agencies and ministries to use NAN as a platform to sensitise Nigerians about their achievements and plans, not only on Federal Government`s programmes and policies, but to reinforce people`s confidence in our democratic system.
“NAN platform is a channel that is viable, trustworthy and accurate, when you talk to us, you are practically talking to all media organisations that are hooked to our platforms through subscription in Nigeria and even globally.
“We have so many platforms through which we dish out news items these days to keep Nigerians abreast of developments and carry them along,“ Lawal said.
The minister in his response commended the agency, saying the ministry was ready to collaborate with it to sensitise Nigerians on its achievements and activities.
