FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determined commitment to national unity, inclusion and equitable development, declaring that the South-East remains a critical partner in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, gave the assurance while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia State, following the South-East Regional Security Summit held.
The Minister said the Tinubu administration is deliberately strengthening engagement with the South-East through sustained dialogue, strategic investments and inclusive governance aimed at fostering national cohesion and ensuring that every Nigerian enjoys equal opportunities regardless of region.
According to him, the South-East Regional Security Summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence and hosted by the Abia State Government, brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, youth groups and political stakeholders to fashion lasting solutions to the region’s security challenges.
He described the summit as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s readiness to listen to citizens, engage communities and develop solutions that reflect local realities.
“The message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is clear. Every Nigerian, irrespective of location, has the right to live, work and pursue prosperity in a safe and secure environment,” the Minister stated.
Mohammed Idris stressed that security remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda but noted that sustainable peace goes beyond military action. He explained that the administration is combining improved security operations with economic empowerment, infrastructure renewal, human capital development and social inclusion to guarantee lasting stability.
He disclosed that President Tinubu has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through enhanced support for security agencies, improved operational capacity, intelligence coordination and stronger collaboration among federal, state and community stakeholders.
Responding to questions on allegations of marginalisation of the South-East, the Minister dismissed the perception, insisting that the President has demonstrated an inclusive approach through strategic appointments, infrastructure development and targeted investments across the region.
He cited the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, the execution of massive federal road projects linking states and cities, the establishment of one of Nigeria’s three world-class Cancer Centres in Enugu and the inclusion of the South-East in the Federal Government’s rollout of 1,000 Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
“The stability of the South-East is critical to Nigeria’s overall progress. The perception of exclusion is not the reality. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring that every region benefits from the dividends of democracy,” he said.
The Minister maintained that no resources due to states are being withheld by the Federal Government, advising state governments to undertake proper needs assessments and prioritise projects that directly improve the welfare of their people, while assuring that the Federal Government remains ready to support developmental initiatives across the federation.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government would continue its engagement with South-East stakeholders, noting that the administration is not shying away from addressing genuine concerns and agitations through constructive dialogue.
On concerns over the nation’s borrowing profile, Mohammed Idris defended the administration’s economic reforms, stating that the impact is evident in ongoing infrastructure projects, increased allocations to states and programmes designed to stimulate economic growth, support small businesses, provide student financing, expand consumer credit and strengthen social protection.
The Minister also highlighted the role of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN) in promoting financial transparency, combating criminal financial transactions and expanding social inclusion.
He added that the Federal Government has intensified the fight against banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality through the deployment of sophisticated technology and intelligence-driven operations, while emphasising that feedback obtained from citizens continues to shape government policies and interventions.
Mohammed Idris reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to building a Nigeria where every region can realise its full potential, saying that peace in the South-East would attract greater investment, create jobs, strengthen businesses and further advance the nation’s collective aspiration for unity, security and sustainable development.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
31st July 2026.
