The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Nigeria is the main tool used by the Federal Government to connect with Nigerians and the rest of the world through the timely passage of information.
Irrespective of what the action of the government is, the ministry which is headed by a political appointee of the president, defends the action of the government.
Sometimes, the Minister of Information uses propaganda even when he obviously knows the truth. He is the image-maker of the government and does all he can to make polish the integrity of the ruling government.
Apart from this, the ministry of information also shares government information with Nigerians.
At of the time of publication, former Chief of Staff to a former governor of Lagos state, Lai Mohammed is the incumbent minister of information.
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So what are the responsibilities of the Information Ministry?
Six key roles of the ministry are:
1) To build a positive image of Nigeria and the president.
2) It supervises and coordinates the media industry to ensure that the information sent out doesn’t threaten national security.
3) It enlightens the Nigerians civic education
4) To promote the cultural values of all Nigerians.
5) Enlightens the general public about ideal of good behaviour and the need to avoid social vices.
6) Promoting the richness of Nigeria’s culture to the outside world by promoting tourism locations in Nigeria.
Parastatals
Apart from departments that help in the internal working of the ministry, there are 18 agencies that help the ministry to carry out its functions:
| Information Agencies | Years of Establishment | Core Mandates |
| National Gallery of Art (NGA) | 1993 | To promote and present the creative visual art of Nigeria to the rest of the World |
| Nigerian Film Corporation | 1979 | To develop the film industry in Nigeria, produce films both for domestic and foreign consumption and encourage local contents of creative movies |
| Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) | 1977 | To provide independent and impartial television broadcasting for the interest of Nigeria |
| Nigerian Press Council (NPC) | 1992 | To ensure the maintenance of high professional standards for the Nigerian Press. |
| Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) | 1992 | To coordinate the planning and development of tourism in Nigeria. |
| Centre for Blacks and African Arts and Culture (CBAAC) | 1977 | To preserve materials use during FESTAC ‘77. and service as cultural archive and repository for cultural works,arts, monuments,indigenous games in Nigeria |
| National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM) | 1979 | To manage the collection, documentation, conservation and presentation of the National Cultural properties to the public for the purpose of education and entertainment |
| Nigerian Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR) | 1987 | To train individuals and organisations in the skills needed in tourism and the hospitality industry through professional regulatory framework |
| Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) | 1988 | To control and regulate advertising practice in Nigeria |
| National Orientation Agency (NOA) | 1993 | To keep Nigeria abreast with the activities of the Federal Government |
| National Institute for Cultural Orientation(NICO) | 1993 | To be Nigeria’s apex cultural training institute through world-class research |
| National Council for Arts And Culture (NCAC) | 1975 | To promote and develop the revival of Nigerian Arts and Culture through research and publications and create jobs in the in the cultural industries |
| National Theatre | 1975 | To promote Nigeria’s culture through performance |
| National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) | 1991 | To encourage the discovery and development of talents in the performing arts |
| Voice of Nigeria (VON) | 1961 | Formerly known as Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), VON is to serve as the voice of Nigeria to the rest of the world. |
| National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) | 1992 | To receive, process and consider applications for the establishment and ownership of broadcasting stations (radio and TV) in Nigeria |
| News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) | May 10, 1976 | To present news material of public and national interest for Nigeria’s consumption and the rest of the world. |
| Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) | 1956 | Popularly called Radio Nigeria, FRCN is to uplift the people and unite the nation |
| National Film & Video Censors Board | 1993 | To censor and classify films and video works in Nigeria and also to provide safety precautions to be observed in licensed premises |
Contact details:
- Official website: fmic.gov.ng
- Facebook: @FMICNigeria
- Twitter: @FMICNigeria
- Flickr: @fed_info_nigeria_photos
- YouTube: @FMINigeria
- Instagram: @Fmic_nigeria
- Headquarters: Federal Secretariat Complex,
Phase II, Block A, First Floor,
PMB 473, Sheh Shagari Way, Abuja
Assessment:
Most times, the minister of information deliberately twists disputable facts in the interest of the sitting president.
Not only that, since, some of its agencies are not only dormant but a financial burden on Nigeria.
For instance, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has remained a bench warmer since 2015, failing in its enlightenment and social consciousness roles. Some of the local government offices of NOA exist on papers. What about the Artistes Village of the National Troupe of Nigeria? The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture needs to do more than playing the role of a bulldog of the president.
