The Federal Government has raised a fresh alarm over the rise of artificial intelligence–powered misinformation and online propaganda, warning that the escalating wave of AI-generated falsehoods poses a growing threat to Nigeria’s information ecosystem.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN), Mohamed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, says AI-driven distortions, deepfakes, and coordinated digital manipulation have become urgent national concerns. He urged broadcasters to strengthen their digital defences and invest in newsroom capacity to protect public trust in an increasingly complex media environment.
“I urge you to reflect accurate realities, not sensational distortions,” Idris says, stressing that broadcasters must “invest in newsroom capacity to detect and counter deepfakes, AI-generated misinformation, and online propaganda.”
“I urge you to reflect accurate realities, not sensational distortions,” Idris says, stressing that broadcasters must “invest in newsroom capacity to detect and counter deepfakes, AI-generated misinformation, and online propaganda.”
The conference, themed Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion, and Digital Security, was described by the Minister as “timely and profound,” reflecting both current national realities and the evolving responsibilities of the media in safeguarding Nigeria’s information integrity.
Idris also used the platform to highlight the early outcomes of the administration’s economic reforms. He says inflation has fallen to a three-year low of 16%, attributing the trend to “deliberate fiscal and monetary policy coordination,” alongside sustained reductions in food prices.
Nigeria’s foreign reserves, he adds, now stand at $46.7 billion, the highest level recorded in seven years. This, he says, signals strengthening investor confidence and reflects “tough but necessary decisions taken by the President to reposition our economy for long-term growth and shared prosperity.”
He encouraged broadcasters to deepen public understanding of the reforms and their impact.
Addressing national security, Idris says the country’s defence structure has been strengthened, with improved inter-agency coordination and enhanced operational capabilities. Several high-profile terrorist and bandit commanders have been neutralised or arrested, he notes, although the pressure on criminal elements has triggered desperate attacks on soft targets.
On the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, the Minister says the President has given a “direct and uncompromising order” to the military to ensure their safe rescue, adding, “We will not rest until this is accomplished!”
He also highlights progress in counterterrorism prosecutions, citing the recent conviction of ISWAP commander Hussaini Ismaila, who was handed a 20-year prison sentence. The development, he says, is evidence that “those who terrorise Nigeria will face justice swiftly and decisively.”
The Minister also criticised a growing global narrative portraying Nigeria as a country plagued by religious intolerance. He describes such accounts as “false, divisive, and built on misinformation,” stressing that Nigeria has a long history of interfaith harmony.
“You must help the world understand Nigeria as it truly is, not through the distorted lens of external agendas, but through factual, balanced, and context-rich reporting,” he tells broadcasters.
Idris reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom while emphasising responsible broadcasting in the digital era. He says the FG is strengthening laws and policies to support media sustainability and ensure a competitive, innovative, and secure broadcast ecosystem.
“We will continue to promote responsible broadcasting and actively combat misinformation,” he says, adding that the government remains committed to supporting technological advancement across the sector.
As broadcasters, policymakers, and experts gather to explore digital resilience, the Minister underscores a central message: Nigeria’s information sovereignty now depends on the media’s ability to recognise and counter the accelerating wave of AI-driven distortions shaping global communication.
“I wish you a successful and impactful conference,” he says, pledging continued collaboration with the broadcast industry.
Home
