The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, has strongly cautioned the US Mission in Nigeria and other foreign missions in the country against issuing what he termed as “needless security advisories.”
Malagi, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, emphasized the adverse impact such alerts have on the nation’s stability and its economy.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring comprehensive security for all, the minister underscored the government’s dedication to the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors within Nigeria.
This warning follows a recent security alert issued by the US Mission on November 3, highlighting an elevated threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities and advising American nationals to consider this information while making lodging arrangements or visiting prominent hotels in the country.
Notably, the advisory acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian security agencies in countering the identified threat.
In response, Malagi expressed concerns that such advisories could potentially undermine the government’s efforts to attract investors to Nigeria. He emphasized the government’s consistent prioritization of the safety and well-being of all visitors.
Furthermore, on the issue of the recent oil subsidy removal, Idris outlined the various economic interventions implemented by the current administration. These included a wage increment of N35,000 monthly for six months to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.
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Despite the US Mission’s security advisory, Minister Malagi dismissed the warnings as unnecessary, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s determination to lead the country towards progress and stability.
“We have implemented comprehensive security measures both at the federal and state levels to ensure the safety of tourists and international guests. These measures include intense intelligence gathering, acquisition and deployment of additional platforms, training and re-training of personnel, cooperation with international law enforcement agencies, among others, to maintain a secure environment,” he said.
The government also launched a N100 billion CNG bus rollout program, aiming to provide CNG-powered buses, and established a presidential committee to oversee its implementation.
Additionally, the government is in the final stages of implementing a cash transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million of the poorest and most vulnerable households in Nigeria for three months. In response to the rising food prices, a presidential directive for the release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and the FCT has been enacted. Moreover, 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings, and other inputs have been provided to farmers as part of the government’s measures to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
“In Kano State, on November 3, a joint operation by troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services carried out a dawn raid operation on terrorists’ hideout in Gezawa Local Government Area, successfully averting an imminent attack on Kano by insurgents.
“The operation recovered AK-47 rifles, AK-47 rifle magazines, a Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG), RPG bombs, hand grenades, Improvised Explosive Device (IED)-making materials, among others.
“In the North-East and North-West of the country, the Nigerian Air Force has been very busy, with several successful airstrikes on bandits’ and terrorists’ camps and hideouts in Katsina, Zamfara and Borno states.
“The Air Force has also recently taken delivery of four new aircraft, to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism.”
“In our maritime environment, on October 25, the Eastern and Central Naval Commands flagged off a Joint Sea Exercise, Exercise SEA GUARDIAN 2023,” he said.
Regarding national orientation, he highlighted that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was actively engaged in executing a continuous mass reorientation campaign. This campaign aims to foster unity, patriotism, and the propagation of positive cultural values within the Nigerian populace.
“We should collectively reorient ourselves as Nigerians, in the direction of a stronger sense of national identity and shared values,” he added.