Ministerial Briefing Not Relocated to London – FG Debunks Reports
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed widespread reports claiming that the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing Series has been moved from Abuja to London.
Speaking during the eighth edition of the series at the National Press Centrr in Abuja on Thursday, Idris firmly denied the claims, stating that the Federal Government remains committed to transparency and accountability within Nigeria.
“This is your answer to the insinuation that the press briefing session is relocating abroad,” Idris said.
“We have our responsibility first to the Nigerian nation and that’s why we invite these ministers to come here and address Nigerians and those outside this country directly from nowhere but the National Press Centre here in Abuja.”
He added that the platform provided by the Ministry is designed to ensure ministers speak directly to Nigerians from within the country, countering false narratives circulating in both traditional and social media.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who was reportedly among those scheduled to participate in an alleged London briefing, also debunked the claims. Speaking at the same event, Umahi aligned with the Information Minister’s position, describing the report as completely untrue.
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Idris used the occasion to highlight economic gains under the Tinubu administration, referencing new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing a slight dip in inflation figures. He noted that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025, down from 24.23% in March.
“This has not happened by chance,” he said. “The President’s focused interventions are clearly paying off. The benefits of reform, though gradual, are real and measurable.”
The Minister emphasized that food inflation, a critical concern for many Nigerians, is also easing. Year-on-year food inflation dropped to 21.26% in April, while month-on-month food inflation slowed to 2.06%, aided by price drops in staples such as maize flour, rice, yam flour, and beans.
While acknowledging that more work remains, Idris expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, attributing recent improvements to strategic policies and reforms introduced by the administration.
“We are not yet where we desire to be. But these latest figures give us every reason to be hopeful,” he said, adding that the government remains focused on delivering people-centered policies that promote stability and shared prosperity.
He urged the media to report responsibly and constructively, stressing that the government remains open and accountable to all Nigerians.
By PRNigeria
