Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced the formation of a committee to finalise Nigeria’s Values Charter, a document that outlines the social contract between Nigeria and its citizens

The charter, which will be launched in 2024, will spell out the core values and principles that underpin the nation’s identity and personality.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reorient Nigerians towards a culture of patriotism, integrity and unity. The charter will serve as a policy framework for a national value system, reflecting the aspirations and diversity of the country’s more than 200 million people.

PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL REORIENTATION TAKES OFF WITH A NATIONAL VALUES CHARTER

In line with the national drive for citizen reorientation, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, @HMMohammedIdris , has constituted a committee to finalise Nigeria’s Values Charter.… pic.twitter.com/xPcFUG1PkK

— Fed Min of Info & Nat’l Orien (@FMINONigeria) December 6, 2023

The committee, chaired by Dr Muhammed Auwal Haruna, has two weeks to submit its report. It comprises representatives from various sectors of society, including civil society, religious groups, traditional rulers, youth, women and media. The committee will consult with stakeholders and experts to ensure that the charter is inclusive and comprehensive. Ask me anything.

The committee will be coordinated by Mrs Theresa Nnalue, the director of orientation and behavioural modification (OBM) of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), a government agency responsible for promoting social values and civic responsibilities among Nigerians.

Nigerian Promise and Citizen Codes

The charter will consist of the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen Codes, which have seven pillars each. The Nigerian Promise will outline the rights and duties of the citizens, while the Citizen Codes will define the norms and standards of behaviour expected of Nigerians.

The government intends to incorporate these values into formal, informal, and vocational educational policies, as well as public awareness campaigns and programmes.

Constitutional Gap and Fostering Unity

The Minister said that the charter is a common practice for countries to define their core values and institute policies to transmit a shared value system among the citizens, which, in the case of Nigeria, would help citizens evolve into united people with shared aspirations, a sense of nationalism, and pride.

He also said that the charter is a response to the constitutional provision on national values, which Nigeria has not implemented effectively.

Idris acknowledged that as a country of diverse ethnic and cultural values, evolving into a unified nation without a unifying value system has been challenging.

He expressed hope that the charter will address this gap and foster a sense of belonging and common destiny among Nigerians.

The Minister therefore urged all Nigerians to support the project and embrace the values that will make Nigeria a great nation.