Media, Government’s Strongest Ally – Lai Mohammed

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has described communication as the most powerful tool in governance, stressing that leadership extends beyond policy-making to engaging effectively with citizens.
Mohammed made the remarks in Lagos on Thursday during the launch and signing of his new book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration.
In a statement released by the Head of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Media Office, Abuja, Nnamdi Atupulazi, the ex-minister emphasized that governance is not just about decisions, but explaining and persuading the people on their implementation.
“Governance is not only about making and implementing decisions. It is about explaining the decisions and convincing the people about their implementation,” he said.
Mohammed, who served nearly eight years under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, highlighted the use of strategic communication to showcase government achievements and gather citizen feedback. He listed initiatives such as town hall meetings, media tours, foreign media interactions, stakeholder engagements, testimony series, and regular media briefings.
He particularly noted the scorecard series launched ahead of the 2023 general elections. “Twenty-six ministers made presentations over 17 weeks. It concluded 11 days before the election and provided campaign materials for party candidates nationwide,” he said.
On the media-government relationship, Mohammed said, “The media, while playing its watchdog role, is never the opposition. It is the amplifier. The government may see the media as difficult, but it remains its most powerful partner.”
Reflecting on his tenure, he cited two major challenges: the suspension of Twitter (now X) and the #EndSARS protests. On Twitter, he said, “I was concerned about the impact on Nigerians using the platform for business and the optics regarding freedom of expression. But the threat to national security outweighed these concerns.”
Regarding #EndSARS, Mohammed described it as his most difficult moment in office, noting the dangers of fake news and disinformation. Addressing the Lekki Toll Gate controversy, he maintained there was no massacre at the site. “Many people died across the country, but no credible evidence has emerged of deaths at Lekki Toll Gate,” he said.
Mohammed said he authored the book to document his stewardship and encouraged other public officials to record their experiences. “Africans must tell their own stories to prevent distortion. I owe it to myself, my country, and posterity to give an account of my stewardship,” he said.
The book was launched on December 17, 2025, in commemoration of the 83rd birthday of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.