The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening mutual trust and collaboration between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the civilian population, as part of a broader strategy to reinforce national security and cohesion.
This position was conveyed by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr, during the opening ceremony of the Civil-Military Relations Conference, which was convened by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on 19 June 2025. The Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam.
In his keynote address, Idris described the conference as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s ongoing effort to foster a more inclusive and participatory approach to security.
Themed “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security”, the conference centred on closing the widening gap between the military and civilian populations through dialogue, community involvement, civic education, responsible media reporting, and humanitarian collaboration.
“The reality we face today is uncomfortable but undeniable,” the Minister said. “A trust deficit exists between the military and many segments of the Nigerian population. This perception, whether rooted in history, misinformation, or isolated events, poses a threat to our national unity and stability. Nigerians must begin to see the military not as an external force, but as an integral member of our national family — a force for protection, progress, and public good.”
He added that rebuilding trust demands purposeful efforts to shift public perception of the Armed Forces by sharing stories of sacrifice, service to communities, and lives protected. He called on the media to take on a more strategic role in combating misinformation and promoting accurate, responsible coverage.
The Minister affirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to work in close partnership with the Defence Headquarters, civil society organisations, and the media to implement the resolutions arising from the conference. “We need to construct stronger channels of engagement through town hall meetings, collaborative initiatives, civic education, and sustainable institutional frameworks that embed the military within the pulse of the nation,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Idris congratulated the organisers and participants, expressing optimism that the outcomes of the conference would chart a path towards a more unified, secure, and resilient Nigeria.