Federal Govt Cautions Nigeria’s Media Against Foreign Misinformation

The Federal Government has urged Nigerian broadcasters to play a stronger role in defending the country’s information sovereignty, countering foreign misinformation, and promoting national cohesion—warning that distorted international narratives pose a threat to Nigeria’s stability and global reputation.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call in Abuja yesterday while addressing the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN).

Speaking on the conference theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion, and Digital Security,” Idris said broadcasters are central to promoting unity, combating misinformation, and reinforcing trust in Nigeria’s information space.

The Minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms were beginning to yield measurable improvements, noting that inflation had dropped to a three-year low of 16 per cent while food prices had also recorded sustained reductions.

He further revealed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen to $46.7 billion, the highest level in seven years—a development he attributed to renewed investor confidence and improved macroeconomic stability.

“These outcomes are not accidental,” Idris said. “They are the result of tough but necessary decisions taken by the President to reposition our economy for long-term growth and shared prosperity. The media should help Nigerians appreciate these gains.”

Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, noting that several high-profile terrorist commanders had been neutralised or arrested in recent months. However, he acknowledged that weakened criminal groups had resorted to attacking soft targets.

He cited the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as such an incident, stressing that President Tinubu had given a firm directive to the military to ensure their safe rescue.

“We will not rest until this is accomplished,” he said.

The Minister also announced the conviction of a notorious ISWAP commander, Hussaini Ismaila, who was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after confessing to multiple acts of terrorism.

“His conviction represents the growing success of our intelligence, investigation, and prosecution capabilities,” Idris added. “It is strong evidence that those who terrorize Nigeria will face justice swiftly and decisively.”

Idris criticised attempts by some international groups to portray Nigeria as a nation intolerant of religious diversity.

“This narrative is false, divisive, and built on misinformation,” he said. “Nigeria is one of the most religiously diverse countries on earth, and our people have lived, worked, and built communities together across faiths for centuries.”

He urged broadcasters to counter such misinformation through factual, balanced, and context-rich reporting.

The Minister further called on the media to invest in newsroom capacity to detect and combat deepfakes, AI-generated misinformation, and online propaganda, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s digital ecosystem from manipulation.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, responsible broadcasting, and policies that support innovation and long-term sustainability in the media industry.

“As a government, we will continue to ensure that truth, accuracy, and professionalism guide public communication,” he said.

Idris commended IBAN for its contributions to media development and national discourse, wishing participants a successful conference.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN), Alhaji Tijani Ramalan, called for sweeping reforms in the nation’s broadcast and advertising landscape.

He warned that without urgent government intervention, Nigeria’s private broadcast sector may remain trapped in economic hardship and unfair competition.

He expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him since his election last year and reaffirmed IBAN’s commitment to strengthening a sustainable independent broadcast ecosystem.

Highlighting the association’s strategic importance, Ramalan said IBAN members collectively hold 65 per cent of Nigeria’s media market share, employing thousands of professionals across multiple sectors.

He noted that with proper support, the broadcast industry could unlock an estimated $25 billion (₦25 trillion) media economy, driven by local content, national reach, and international audience appeal.

Earlier, Chairman of the Conference Steering Committee, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, warned that Nigeria is at a critical moment where global misinformation, political mislabeling, and foreign interference threaten the country’s stability, economic progress, and international reputation.

He said the conference theme—“Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Culture, and Digital Strength”—captures the urgent need for Nigerian broadcasters to reclaim control of the nation’s narrative.

Dokpesi expressed concern over the wave of recent international reports branding Nigeria as intolerant, divided, or on the brink of religious conflict, including claims of “Christian genocide” and threats by foreign political actors that undermine the country’s sovereignty.

He cautioned that such narratives—often fuelled by foreign lobby groups, sensational media, and digital algorithms—carry far-reaching consequences.

“Associating Nigeria with labels like genocide or selective international reporting can instigate instability, scare off investors, promote capital flight, reinforce negative stereotypes, and reduce a complex country of over 200 million people into a caricature of crisis,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria must not allow foreign actors to define its image without context.

“Information sovereignty means ensuring Nigeria is understood first through Nigerian eyes, Nigerian voices, and Nigerian facts,” he added.