Beyond Denial: Why Government Spokespersons Must Communicate with Empathy

Public communication is one of the most important responsibilities of any government. Policies may be well designed, reforms may be underway, and difficult decisions may even be necessary, but if citizens feel unheard or believe their daily experiences are being dismissed, trust quickly begins to erode.

This is why the recent comments suggesting that there is no hunger in Nigeria have generated strong reactions from many Nigerians. At a time when households are grappling with rising food prices, inflation, transportation costs, and declining purchasing power, such statements appear disconnected from the realities many people face every day.

Whether one supports or opposes the current administration is beside the point. The more important question is this: What should be the role of a presidential spokesman during periods of national hardship?

A spokesman is not merely the government’s defender. He is the bridge between government and the people. His responsibility is to explain policies, provide context, communicate progress, manage expectations, and reassure citizens that their concerns are understood.

This does not mean amplifying negativity or undermining government efforts. Neither does it mean pretending that every criticism is justified. Rather, it means acknowledging reality while presenting solutions.

History shows that people are often willing to endure hardship if they believe three things: first, that their leaders understand what they are going through; second, that there is a credible plan to improve the situation; and third, that there is measurable progress toward that plan.

When government communication ignores or appears to contradict lived experiences, these three pillars begin to weaken. Citizens become less interested in official statements because they no longer see themselves reflected in them.

Nigeria’s current economic challenges are well documented. Food inflation has affected virtually every household. Small businesses are adjusting to higher operating costs. Families are making difficult choices about transportation, healthcare, education, and nutrition. These realities are visible across cities and rural communities alike.

In this context, effective communication requires empathy before persuasion.

Imagine a different approach.

Instead of saying there is no hunger, a government spokesman could say:

“We understand that many Nigerians are facing difficult economic conditions. The President understands these concerns, and government is implementing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, increasing food production, expanding social interventions, and attracting investment. These measures may take time, but we remain committed to easing the burden on citizens.”

Such a message does not portray government as weak. On the contrary, it portrays leadership that is aware, compassionate, and focused on solutions.

Communication is not simply about winning today’s media cycle. It is about building public confidence over time.

One of the greatest strengths of effective leadership is the willingness to acknowledge difficult truths. Citizens generally appreciate honesty more than optimism that appears detached from reality. When leaders admit challenges while explaining their response, they strengthen credibility rather than diminish it.

Government spokespersons should therefore see themselves not as defenders against public opinion but as translators of government action. Their task is to explain why policies exist, what progress is being made, what obstacles remain, and what citizens should reasonably expect.

This approach creates a healthier relationship between government and the governed.

Nigeria needs hope, but hope is not built on denial. Hope is built on transparency, empathy, accountability, and consistent communication.

Every administration faces criticism. That is the nature of democracy. The role of public communication is not to silence criticism but to respond to it with facts, compassion, and evidence of action.

Ultimately, Nigerians do not expect perfection from their leaders. They understand that economic reforms are often painful and that difficult decisions sometimes have to be made.

What they do expect is honesty.

When government communication acknowledges people’s struggles while demonstrating genuine efforts to solve them, it earns something far more valuable than favourable headlines: it earns public trust.

And in times of national difficulty, trust may be the government’s most important asset.