The Federal Government has urged content creators and social media influencers to be cautious in their messaging, especially regarding their portrayal of Nigeria.
During the National Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 celebration in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the need for a balanced approach to media representation.
“If we want Nigeria to grow, we cannot always focus on the negatives,” Idris stated. He acknowledged the media’s role in critiquing leaders but insisted that national interests must come first. “While it is important that we criticize and hold government and other leaders accountable, we must also prioritize national interest in reporting.”
Idris warned against the constant spread of negative narratives, which could deter potential investors.
“We cannot expect the country to grow if we only present negative information. There are many positive aspects coming out of Nigeria, and we should be responsible in our reporting to help Nigeria achieve prosperity,” he added, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the country.
The minister condemned the rise of fake news on social media, calling it a threat to Nigeria’s unity and development.
He mentioned UNESCO’s efforts to combat misinformation, particularly through the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria.
“Misinformation and disinformation are not unique to Nigeria; they represent a global issue that requires collective action to address social media misinformation,” Idris stated.
Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, supported the minister’s comments, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to Media Information Literacy (MIL) initiatives in the country.
