By Stephen Benjamin
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has known as for stronger media ethics, skilled accountability and safety of press freedom in efforts to curb pretend information and misinformation in Nigeria.
Idris, who was represented by Dr Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relation, made the decision on Wednesday in Abuja on the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Fake News and Excellence in Media Leadership Award 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) studies that the summit has the theme: “Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigeria Media Space”.
Idris mentioned the digital revolution had remodeled info sharing, making it attainable for info to achieve folks throughout geographical boundaries inside seconds.
He mentioned that the response to misinformation ought to deal with strengthening skilled journalism, selling fact-checking and enhancing entry to credible info.
“The solution is not censorship, the government also has a responsibility to communicate promptly, openly, and accurately. The Nigerian Press Council has a critical role in promoting ethical journalism and strengthening professional accountability,” he mentioned.
Idris known as on media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, confirm sources and proper errors promptly, whereas urging know-how firms to handle the misuse of their platforms.
Also, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, known as for a coordinated method to misinformation that might shield nationwide safety with out proscribing respectable journalism.
Musa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence, Likita Musa, mentioned misinformation has turn into a problem to nationwide stability, safety, democratic progress and sustainable improvement.
The minister famous that digital platforms may be exploited to control public opinion, incite hostility and undermine confidence in public establishments.
He warned in opposition to treating each inaccurate report as deliberate misinformation or deciphering each criticism as an assault on nationwide safety.
“A democratic society must preserve room for honest mistakes, legitimate disagreement, investigative journalism, satire, and constructive debate,” he mentioned.
The Defence Minister additionally confused the necessity to stability public entry to correct info with respectable safety necessities.
“Defence communication must balance the public interest in accurate information with legitimate requirements relating to operational security, the safety of personnel, and the protection of classified information,” he mentioned.
On synthetic intelligence, Musa mentioned the know-how offered alternatives and challenges for the media business.
“When used responsibly, these tools can strengthen journalism and expand access to reliable information,” he mentioned.
On his half, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, urged journalists to uphold fact and train warning within the dissemination of data, significantly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 common elections.
Sule, who was represented by Yakubu Lamai, Director-General of Strategic Communication and Event Management, mentioned the summit was apt in addressing the problem of pretend information throughout this political actions.
“The cornerstone of journalism is truth. If we uphold truthfulness, if we uphold news that is anchored and based on verifiable data, news that you can substantiate from very credible sources, you will be protecting our democracy,” he mentioned.
Also talking, Mr Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), known as for stronger collaboration amongst regulators, media organisations, journalists, know-how firms and academic establishments to handle misinformation.
He warned that the fast circulation of verified and unverified info may undermine public confidence and democratic participation.
“Public trust can be weakened, social tensions inflamed, and informed democratic participation undermined. Innovation should strengthen editorial judgment rather than replacing it,” he mentioned.
Ebuebu mentioned regulatory measures alone couldn’t resolve the challenges created by know-how, business pursuits, viewers behaviour and gaps in media literacy.
“The legitimacy of media regulation depends not only on the standards it enforces but also on the fairness and predictability with which it exercises its power,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), known as on journalists to embrace factual, data-driven reporting and objectivity within the discharge of their duties.
Ali, who was represented by Ismail Abdulaziz, Director of Special Duties, mentioned the company had constantly prioritised editorial rules {and professional} requirements in its efforts to fight pretend information.
“You fight fake news with data. You fight fake news by being objective in everything you put out, and you fight fake news by standing on the platform of objectivity,” he mentioned.
He urged journalists to keep away from publishing unverified info just because it was circulating on social media, stressing the significance of credible sources and supporting proof.
Dr Dili Ezugha, Executive Secretary of the NPC, mentioned the summit would strengthen collective efforts towards curbing misinformation, selling credible journalism and recognising excellence in media management in Nigeria.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
