Federal Government Warns Ministries, Departments, and Agencies Against Compromising National Security
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to media managers within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to uphold confidentiality and national security in their communications.
The cautionary directive was delivered by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), during a One-Day Capacity Building session on the Role of the Official Secrets Acts in Abuja.
Organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in collaboration with the Office of the SGF, the event underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of government information to safeguard national interests.
In his address, Akume emphasized the critical role of communication managers in ensuring that accurate and truthful information is disseminated while protecting classified government documents.
“It is incumbent on communication managers to disseminate information that is correct and truthful,” Akume stated, as he represented by a senior official. He stressed that any compromise in handling official secrets could constitute a serious offense under the Official Secrets Acts, likening it to a felony.
The capacity-building initiative aimed to enhance the understanding of communication managers regarding the legal frameworks and responsibilities associated with managing sensitive information within government circles.
It also sought to underscore the implications of unauthorized disclosure of information that could potentially undermine national security.
The SGF’s office reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency tempered with the need to maintain confidentiality where required by law, urging all MDAs to uphold these standards rigorously.
Participants at the event were urged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance their roles in effectively managing and safeguarding government information, thereby contributing to national security and public trust.
The Federal Government continues to emphasize the importance of information management as a critical component of governance, urging all stakeholders to adhere strictly to established guidelines and legal provisions in their official duties.
