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The Federal Government has called on information officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to leverage digital innovations to enhance national security and effective communication.
This appeal was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, during a one-day workshop organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja. The workshop was themed “Renewing Hope and Strengthening National Unity through Effective Communication and the Role of the Official Secrets Act in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security.”
Represented by Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary of General Services at the Office of the SGF, Akume highlighted the transformative impact of digital media, social networking platforms, and instant messaging on information dissemination and consumption.
“To thrive in this dynamic environment, information managers must adapt their strategies to resonate with contemporary audiences who are increasingly digital-savvy and discerning in their consumption of information,” Akume advised.
He also emphasized the severe implications of leaking official secrets, describing it as a felony with no defense under the Nigerian Constitution or the Freedom of Information Act.
While acknowledging the benefits of new digital platforms in revolutionizing journalism and expanding global communication reach, Akume warned about the rise of disinformation and fake news, which distort public perception of daily events.
“A key part of this administration’s communication strategy is recognizing that effective communication is central to all government service-delivery efforts. Despite significant progress in public communication, particularly regarding program implementation, there is a conscious effort to enhance internal communication to better inform and mobilize public servants,” Akume explained.
Mr. Dasuki Arabi, Director General of BPSR, elaborated on the purpose of the training, noting its focus on empowering communication managers to uphold confidentiality and national security as outlined in the Official Secrets Act.
“This training aims to strengthen national unity through effective communication in public services and to leverage social media for effective governance. The Official Secrets Act is crucial in maintaining confidentiality and national security by establishing a legal framework that protects sensitive government information from unauthorized disclosure,” Arabi stated.
He added that the Act ensures the security of classified information, which, if exposed, could jeopardize national security, restricting access to those with the necessary clearance.
“By defining and penalizing breaches of confidentiality, the Act deters individuals from leaking sensitive data and reinforces the importance of safeguarding state secrets,” he concluded.
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