The Federal Government on Monday launched a nationwide citizenship campaign, “My Nigeria, My Responsibility,” aimed at promoting patriotism through concrete actions, accountability and responsible citizenship.
The campaign was officially flagged off at the State House, Abuja, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Presidency through the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership.
Speaking at the event, Idris described patriotism as “an active verb” that must be demonstrated through daily conduct and a shared sense of duty to national development.
“True patriotism is the daily choice to be responsible for our nation’s story, its progress, and its image,” he said.
According to him, the campaign is designed to shift patriotism from emotion to action, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens.
“Nigeria’s destiny does not rest in the hands of a few, but in the actions of 200 million citizens,” the minister said.
He noted that President Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to democracy and good governance reflected the values of responsible citizenship the campaign sought to instil nationwide.
Idris linked key policy reforms of the Tinubu administration to the shared responsibility of citizens, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, tax justice initiatives and digitalised revenue mobilisation.
“The pain is real, but it is the pain of healing, not decay,” he said, explaining that the reforms had more than doubled monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to states and local governments.
He said the increased funds were meant to address pressing needs in education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.
The minister emphasised tax compliance as a critical element of patriotism and national development.
“Patriotism is in the taxes you pay. When you pay your fair share, you are directly investing in the school your child attends, the road your business uses, and the security that guards your home,” he said.
Idris also announced plans to inaugurate the National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in February 2026, describing it as a major public education platform to combat misinformation.
“We must not weaponise falsehood. In this digital age, truthful communication is a patriotic duty,” he stressed.
The minister urged Nigerians to uphold the values contained in the Citizens’ Charter of National Values, including integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance and excellence.
He called on citizens to embrace the campaign as a national pact for responsible nation-building.
“The President is providing the canvas of stability and vision; the rest of us must pick up the brush. Let us paint together the masterpiece of a new Nigeria, through our values, our taxes, our stories, and our actions. My Nigeria, My Responsibility,” he said.
