The Federal Government has rolled out a nationwide citizenship movement aimed at turning patriotism into practical, everyday action that strengthens responsibility and drives nation-building. The initiative, “My Nigeria, My Responsibility,” was formally launched at the State House, Abuja, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Presidency through the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, aims to rekindle a culture of responsible citizenship, emphasizing that every Nigerian has a direct role in shaping the nation’s prosperity, global image, and democratic journey.
Speaking on behalf of the President, the Minister described patriotism as “an active verb” — a collective responsibility demonstrated through personal values, paying taxes, honesty in public dialogue, and a united commitment to national development. He noted that “true patriotism is the daily decision to take responsibility for our nation’s narrative, its progress, and its reputation,” stressing that Nigeria’s future “lies not in the hands of a select few, but in the collective actions of 200 million citizens.”
He also underscored President Tinubu’s decades-long defence of democracy, noting that the President’s political journey embodies the spirit of responsible citizenship that the campaign aims to inspire across the nation.
The minister further highlighted the administration’s key policy reforms — including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, tax justice initiatives, and the digitalization of revenue mobilization — linking these measures to the ideals of civic responsibility and the pursuit of shared national prosperity.
“The pain is real, but it is the pain of healing, not decay,” he said, explaining how reforms have more than doubled monthly FAAC allocations to states and local governments, providing resources to address public needs such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
He described tax compliance as a civic duty that directly funds 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.”
Idris further announced that, in February 2026, the Ministry will inaugurate the National Media and Information Literacy, MIL, Institute, a landmark public education platform that will equip citizens with tools to verify information, resist misinformation, and engage ethically online.
“We must not weaponize falsehood. In this digital age, truthful communication is a patriotic duty,” the Minister stressed.
He urged citizens to embody the values enshrined in the newly adopted Citizens’ Charter of National Values: integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence.
He concluded with a call for Nigerians to see the campaign as a national covenant for responsible nation-building, emphasizing that while the President is offering the stability and vision, citizens must take up their own part in shaping the future. He urged everyone to help create a new Nigeria through their values, tax compliance, integrity, and everyday actions — My Nigeria, My Responsibility.
