The call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at a conference organised by the White Ink Institute for Strategy, Education, and Research Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event, themed ‘Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa,’ focused on how language shapes perception and can either inflame or reduce bias.
Idris was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dili Ezughah.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Press and Protocol at the Ministry, Suleiman Haruna, the minister said, “Definitions are not neutral. They carry weight. They influence how communities are perceived and treated.
“When definitions are careless or inaccurate, they can reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions and create mistrust between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity makes it critical to use language thoughtfully, especially in addressing security concerns, warning against linking criminal acts to ethnic or religious identities.
