What happens when a government loses its voice? A nation begins to govern itself with rumours.

There was a time in Nigeria when the Minister of Information was a visible, authoritative figure. Their presence shaped public discourse. Their faces were familiar. You didn’t need to search for them—they were the voice of the nation.

From Dapo Sarumi’s charisma to Jerry Gana turning briefings into national events, from Uche Chukwumerije commanding the airwaves after June 12, to John Nnia Nwodo Jr., Chukwuemeka Chikelu, Frank Nweke Jr., Dora Akunyili, Labaran Maku, Patricia Akwashiki, and Lai Mohammed—these were figures whose words mattered. They explained policy. They defended government. They faced criticism and engaged with it. They were present in the storm, not hiding in the calm.

You knew who was talking. You could argue with them. You heard a voice representing the nation.

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From Authority to Absence

Things changed with the return of democracy. Presidential spokesmen became louder, more visible than the Ministers of Information. From Reuben Abati to Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, the microphones never cooled. They spoke constantly for the President, and by extension, the government.

The result: the Minister of Information has been pushed to the sidelines. Offices still exist, titles still glitter, ministries still have budgets—but the center of gravity has shifted. Not by law or reform, but by the force of loudness.

Today, many Nigerians couldn’t name the Minister of Information if asked. You might meet them on a flight and not know they exist. That’s how invisible the office has become.

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Why This Matters

Information is the lifeline of democracy. When citizens don’t hear from their government, fear replaces clarity, frustration replaces trust, and conspiracy replaces truth. Silence fills the vacuum.

Recent crises illustrate the cost. Last month, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi. Eight days later, the government announced their rescue—but offered no details. In that silence, the absence of the Information Minister spoke louder than words ever could.

Nigeria is navigating insecurity, rising costs, and uncertainty without an official voice stepping forward. Citizens feel unseen, unheard, and abandoned. A government that fails to communicate effectively is a government that fails its people.

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A Call for Leadership That Speaks

We need ministers and offices that are visible, accountable, and engaged. Public communication is not just a luxury—it is essential. Policies alone cannot govern a nation. Citizens require clarity, reassurance, and a voice they can trust.

Until that voice returns, the gap between government and the people will continue to widen.

Nigeria deserves better. A government that speaks. A government that faces its citizens.