Minister of Information unveils plan to curb fake news and misinformation

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has launched an initiative to alleviate the spread of misinformation and enhance grassroots communication. The minister described the plan as a comprehensive project to combat the growing threat of fake news which has become a significant challenge to governance and public trust.

While unveiling the plan at the 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation in Kaduna on Friday, the minister emphasized on the efforts to strengthen inclusive governance in Nigeria. Idris highlighted the need for a transformative potential of accurate, transparent, and accessible public information to society.

“In an era where fake news, propaganda, and biased reporting can significantly influence public opinion and decision-making, media literacy fosters critical thinking. It helps individuals analyse the intent behind media messages, understand the context in which they are presented, and assess their accuracy and relevance,” the minister said.

To showcase the readiness and implementation of the project, the minister announced the immediate operationalization of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja. He pointed out that the institute, which is the first of its kind globally, will equip Nigerians with tools to identify credible information and discredit misinformation.

Mohammed Idris – Minister of Information and National Orientation

Idris also called for a modernization of public information systems through the adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence. According to him, this approach would enhance the speed, accuracy, and reach of government messaging.

In addition, the minister said that public communication must operate to meet the dynamic needs of the digital age. He expressed confidence that these measures would position public information management as a tool for national development and strengthen democracy.

The minister of information’s strategy seems to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets people-centred governance, transparency, and inclusivity.

Bridging the information gap at the grassroots level

Addressing the need for viable communication at the grassroots level, the minister reiterated the use of local languages, community radio stations, and town hall meetings to ensure government policies and initiatives reach all regions of the country including the marginalized communities.

The minister then called for the support and collaboration of all states through their commissioners for information to bridge the information gap.

“I therefore urge the Commissioners for Information to take advantage of this very important institute, once it takes off, to further build the capacity of our staff in combating the menace of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,” Idris said.

He further stressed the ongoing efforts by the Federal Information Centres to foster inclusivity across all ranges and the need for urban centres to transport information to remote communities.

“To this end, and in recognition of the diverse nature of our country, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, through the Federal Information Centres, has prioritised grassroots engagement through town hall meetings, community outreach programmes, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure that government policies resonate with citizens at all levels,” the minister stated.

He thereby urged state governments to preserve and strengthen their Ministries of Information while emphasising the agency as a critical means to bridging the gap between government policies and citizens. 

“These ministries are indispensable in combating misinformation, fostering national unity, and driving societal progress,” he concluded.

A recent case study on misleading information

On Wednesday, 38-year-old Menwe Nnamdi James, alongside 40-year-old Ekele Okorogba, was arraigned before a Magistrate court in Rivers. According to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt under the Rivers State Police Command, the accused provided the police with misleading information about the murder of a motorcycle rider, identified as Godstime Innocent.

Following the death of the motorcyclist in Ahoada main town on November 17, 2024, the suspects told the Police that one Hector Ekeakita Chinem, Public Relation Officer of Igbu-Akoh Youth Congress, Ahoada East Local Government Area was responsible for the killing.

During the process of its investigation, the Police found the suspects’ claim to be misleading and as a result, charged them to court.

The presiding Magistrate, Senior Magistrate, Wobia C. Akani Esq, consequently granted the defendants bail, with a surety each in the sum of N500,000. He also ordered that the surety must have verifiable means of livelihood and address, before adjourning the matter to January 21, 2025, for hearing.

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