FG Endorses NIPSS Plan to Drive Nigeria’s Orange Economy
The Federal Government has endorsed the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) initiative to explore the potential of Nigeria’s creative or “Orange Economy” as a pathway to sustainable economic development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from NIPSS on a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday.
The delegation, led by the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, was at the ministry to discuss the institute’s Senior Executive Course 48 research on “Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development”, as well as plans for a proposed National Summit and Exhibition on the Orange Economy.
Idris said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its agencies would support the initiative, describing the Orange Economy as an important area that could contribute to Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable prosperity.
He assured the delegation that relevant agencies under the ministry would be made available to support the project and deepen its reach.
The minister said the ministry’s responsibility went beyond disseminating government information, stressing that effective communication must also involve listening to citizens and conveying their concerns back to government.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu places importance on public feedback and regularly seeks to understand what Nigerians are saying about government policies and programmes.
“The President listens. Whenever I sit with him, the first question he asks is: ‘What are Nigerians saying?’” Idris said.
He explained that this approach allows government to make adjustments where necessary, describing the process as a hallmark of responsive leadership.
Idris also highlighted the role of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), noting that its extensive presence across the country gives government an opportunity to understand the concerns and views of citizens, including those in remote communities.
He said the agency has more than 800 offices nationwide and should be seen not merely as an information dissemination institution but also as an important channel for understanding the pulse of the nation.
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The minister pledged that the ministry would make the agency available to NIPSS as part of efforts to bring the Orange Economy initiative to the front burner.
He said this would support the broader objective of creating new pathways for sustainable prosperity and ensuring that Nigerians are able to realise their potential.
Idris also welcomed the NIPSS delegation to the ministry and directed senior officials, led by the Permanent Secretary, to engage with the institute and understand the objectives of the proposed summit and exhibition.
He indicated that the ministry could designate a staff member as a desk officer to facilitate continued collaboration with NIPSS.
The minister also paid tribute to his predecessor, former Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, who accompanied the NIPSS delegation.
Idris acknowledged Mohammed’s eight-year service in the ministry and said lessons from his tenure, as well as those of other predecessors, would continue to inform efforts to improve government communication.
Reflecting on the demands of the information portfolio, Idris said ministers in the sector were often required to respond to developments across virtually every aspect of national life.
He described the job as one that requires officials to understand a wide range of issues and respond to citizens with accuracy and responsibility.
Idris further commended NIPSS for its role in developing future leaders and strengthening public service capacity.
He also expressed solidarity with the institute following a recent security incident at its premises, saying criminal elements must not be allowed to derail institutions committed to nation-building.
The minister said the government remained determined to support institutions working to deepen national development and build a more prosperous Nigeria.
Earlier, Prof. Omotayo outlined the objectives of the Senior Executive Course 48 research and the proposed National Summit and Exhibition, seeking stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The engagement is expected to provide a platform for further collaboration between NIPSS, the ministry and its agencies in advancing discussions around Nigeria’s creative economy and its potential contribution to sustainable development.
By PRNigeria
