Podcast Summary: The Interview – Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Information Minister: Stopping Militant Attacks
BBC World Service | Aired: March 29, 2026
Overview
In this episode of The Interview, BBC presenter Victoria Owahunda sits down with Mohammed Idris, Nigeria's Information Minister, during his visit to London. Together, they address some of Nigeria’s most urgent challenges: the ongoing threat of militant attacks—particularly by Boko Haram—the country's security strategies, the effects of international events like the Middle East crisis on Nigeria’s oil economy, and efforts to curb brain drain by creating opportunities for the nation’s youth. Throughout, Idris offers candid reflections on the government’s achievements and struggles, the delicate balance of religion in politics, and Nigeria’s partnership with the international community.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tackling Brain Drain & Industrialization
- Policy Shifts:
- Emphasis on compelling pharmaceutical companies to set up manufacturing plants locally, with the aim to create jobs and encourage talented Nigerians, especially youths, to remain or return home.
- “We have a stronger policy that will compel them to also set up these manufacturing plants in Nigeria so that they can create jobs for our young men and women… with industrialization… more Nigerian young men and women will be there. And those who have traveled… may find it necessary to come back.” — Mohammed Idris (02:39 & 21:39)
- Emphasis on compelling pharmaceutical companies to set up manufacturing plants locally, with the aim to create jobs and encourage talented Nigerians, especially youths, to remain or return home.
- IT & Health Sector:
- Success stories in the tech (“fine tech”) sector cited, and ongoing reforms to retain talent in health care and tech.
- Electricity & Industrial Base:
- New focus on reliable electricity and industrial policy as prerequisites for reversing brain drain.
2. National Security & Militant Attacks
- Top Priority:
- Idris singles out security as the government’s chief concern, linked to a long-term effort—spanning nearly two decades—to combat criminal and extremist violence.
- “First and foremost is to ensure that we return security to our country… nearly two decades old that we have criminal elements wreaking havoc…” (04:06)
- Idris singles out security as the government’s chief concern, linked to a long-term effort—spanning nearly two decades—to combat criminal and extremist violence.
- Boko Haram & Recent Attacks:
- Addresses the tragic attack in Maiduguri, expressing condolences and outlining immediate government action:
- “My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones… President Mbola Ahmed Tinubu directed all the service chiefs to move to Maiduguli.” (06:07)
- Acknowledges need to continually improve intelligence and regional cooperation, rather than denial or blame.
- “I don't think [intelligence agencies] failed. I think that more work need to be done… intelligence sharing is key in the fight against terrorism.” (07:55)
- Addresses the tragic attack in Maiduguri, expressing condolences and outlining immediate government action:
- Ministry of Livestock Development:
- New ministries like Livestock Development and increased agricultural investment aimed at addressing root causes of conflict, especially tensions between farmers and herders.
3. International Partnerships in Security
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Collaboration with the United States:
- Details specific American contributions: intelligence support, technical equipment, and personnel for counter-terrorism, always under Nigerian leadership.
- “The American government… sent in some personnel, military personnel with intelligence sharing capability… but this has been led by the Nigerian security agencies.” (09:18)
- Open to partnerships with the UK and other allies.
- Details specific American contributions: intelligence support, technical equipment, and personnel for counter-terrorism, always under Nigerian leadership.
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Concerns about Divisive Rhetoric:
- Responds to concerns about U.S. political rhetoric that frames Nigerian conflict as religious, stressing national unity and constitutional secularism.
- “Nigeria… is a multi faith country… this is exactly where these terrorists want to drive us. We need to understand the complexities and the drivers of this conflict.” (11:18)
- Reiterates message to U.S. leadership that divisive language is unhelpful.
- Responds to concerns about U.S. political rhetoric that frames Nigerian conflict as religious, stressing national unity and constitutional secularism.
4. Middle East Conflict and the Oil Economy
- Nigeria’s Role & Readiness:
- Idris is diplomatic about opportunities from oil price spikes due to Middle East instability, focusing instead on support for de-escalation.
- “What we are praying for and, and hoping for and preaching for is that we should have de escalation in the conflict… But Nigeria will always play its part to ensure that there's energy security.” (16:55)
- Notes improvements in Nigeria’s refining capacity (thanks to Dangote refinery and other new projects), reducing dependency on imports and cushioning global shocks.
- “Our domestic refining capacity has improved significantly… with Dangote refinery now fully operational and other modular refineries…” (18:36)
- Idris is diplomatic about opportunities from oil price spikes due to Middle East instability, focusing instead on support for de-escalation.
- Fighting Fuel Theft:
- Recognizes oil theft still occurs but is much diminished, attributing improvement to new policies and private sector engagement.
- “Significant improvement since the administration of President Mbola Ahmed Chinubu. It’s not yet completely solved, but… the theft has been significantly reduced…” (20:27)
- Recognizes oil theft still occurs but is much diminished, attributing improvement to new policies and private sector engagement.
5. Prospects for the Current Government
- Optimism and Future Vision:
- Idris expresses optimism that the Tiunbu government’s reforms already show results and will encourage citizens to grant another mandate.
- “Prosperity is what the president has promised Nigerians… Nigeria is on a march towards that prosperity…” (24:08)
- When asked about election prospects:
- “If you have a good football team that is winning, I mean, nobody will want to [change it]… We are absolutely confident that Nigerians will renew President Mbola Ahmed's mandate.” (24:46)
- Idris expresses optimism that the Tiunbu government’s reforms already show results and will encourage citizens to grant another mandate.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Brain Drain & Industrialization:
“We have a stronger policy that will compel them to also set up these manufacturing plants in Nigeria so that it can create jobs for our people, provide more opportunities for our young men and women to participate in in that sector.” — Mohammed Idris (21:39) -
On Security & Intelligence:
“Intelligence sharing is key in the fight against terrorism and this kind of criminal… insurgency. So Nigeria will work with our regional partners, with others to bring peace not just to Nigeria, but the entire region.” — Mohammed Idris (08:13) -
On Religious Unity:
“Nigeria has always said, is a multi faith country… Christians, Muslims, and even those who don't believe in anything… are free to live and practice whatever is their fate in our country… We are deemphasizing [divisive rhetoric] because this is exactly where these terrorists want to drive us.” — Mohammed Idris (11:18) -
On Middle East Crisis & Oil:
“We believe that dialogue is the best answer to any kind of situation we find ourselves… Nigeria will always play its part to ensure that there's energy security for people around the world.” — Mohammed Idris (16:55) -
On Election Prospects:
“If you have a good football team that is winning… We are absolutely confident that Nigerians will renew President Mbola Ahmed's mandate.” — Mohammed Idris (24:46)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Overview of Nigeria’s Brain Drain & Industrialization — 02:39, 21:39
- Top Three Challenges for the Government — 04:06
- Detailed Discussion on Security & Maiduguri Attack — 05:26–08:13
- Details on U.S. Partnership and Security Support — 09:18–10:53
- Addressing Religious Rhetoric & National Unity — 10:53–12:46
- Oil, Economic Policy, and the Iran Conflict — 16:30–18:36
- Efforts against Oil Theft — 20:06–20:27
- Outlook on Government Performance and Future — 24:08–24:46
Tone and Style
Throughout the conversation, both presenter and minister remain cordial and direct, with Victoria Owahunda’s probing journalistic approach met by Mohammed Idris’s measured candor and confidence. Idris resists simplistic answers, especially on sensitive themes like religious division and intelligence failures, and pivots firmly toward unity, reform, and optimism for the country’s future.
Summary Takeaway
This episode provides a frank look at Nigeria’s security struggles, economic ambitions, and the government’s strategic plans—set against a backdrop of global instability. Idris presents the Tiunbu administration as proactive, transparent, and open to both international collaboration and scrutiny. The conversation leaves listeners with insight into not just Nigeria’s challenges, but the mindset of its current leadership and the policy pathways they are determined to pursue.