By John Joseph
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The National Council on Information and National Orientation has made a series of landmark recommendations aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s global image and strengthening its media landscape. The council’s 48th meeting, held in Kaduna, brought together 77 delegates from 17 states to deliberate on information management in the country.
A key resolution from the meeting is the call for the reopening of 13 National Information Service Centres in foreign countries. These centres will be equipped with four regional/zonal headquarters to facilitate prompt decision-making and promote a positive image of Nigeria globally.
In addition, the council recommended that the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), and Voice of Nigeria (VON) establish offices in select foreign countries. This move aims to complement the efforts of the National Information Service Centres and address challenges related to deployment protocols, career progression, and resource shortages for information and public relations officers.
The council also emphasized the need for capacity building and training in the information and media sectors. It called for the repositioning of the National Institute of Public Information (NIPI) in Kaduna as a premier training institution for information and public relations practitioners. Furthermore, the council recommended that media houses become fully digitized to enhance information dissemination and that heads of information-based organizations provide conducive working environments and necessary facilities for their staff.
Other key recommendations from the meeting include:
Completion of the Federal Government Printing Press: The council called for the completion of the FGPP in Asokoro, Abuja, to ensure the timely printing and publishing of official and confidential government documents.
Strengthening the Nigerian Press Council: The council recommended strengthening the Nigerian Press Council to regulate the print media effectively and promote strategic public information systems.
Indigenous Language Content: The council advocated for the adoption of indigenous Nigerian languages in content production and dissemination by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Improved Conditions of Service: The council emphasized the need for improved conditions of service, salary structures, and regular training for media practitioners to enhance their performance.
Restoring National Symbols: The council noted the flagrant abuse and disrespect of national symbols, calling for measures to restore their dignity and standardization.
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