The spread of misinformation in Nigeria is becoming harder to contain, with false claims, manipulated videos and fabricated statements increasingly finding their way into public conversations, especially during politically sensitive periods.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has now called for stronger commitment to credible journalism, saying journalists have a key role to play in separating facts from falsehoods and restoring public trust.
Idris spoke on Thursday in Calabar during the reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now known as the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the state’s new Government Printing Press.
He said the speed at which information now travels through social media and other digital platforms has made verification more important than ever.
“The faster information travels, the greater the premium we must place on verification,” Idris said.
“Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgement.”
Nigeria has seen it before
The concern is not without precedent.
During previous election cycles, Nigerians have had to deal with old videos presented as new events, manipulated photographs, fake electoral results and statements falsely attributed to politicians and public officials.
Fact-checking reports have documented how such claims spread rapidly online, sometimes gaining traction before they are debunked. Ahead of the 2027 elections, the problem is taking another turn as artificial intelligence makes it easier to create convincing images, videos, audio and written content.
The danger is not simply that people may believe a false claim. False information can also create confusion, deepen political divisions and weaken confidence in institutions.
Recent misinformation trends have included fake resignation letters attributed to political appointees and manipulated political content circulating across platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and X.
AI is changing the game
Idris also pointed to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, which has added a new layer to Nigeria’s misinformation problem.
While misinformation existed long before generative AI, the technology has made the production of convincing false content faster and cheaper. Fact-checkers have already identified manipulated political images and videos, as well as recycled footage falsely presented as events taking place in Nigeria.
For journalists, this means that simply being quick to publish is no longer enough.
A photograph, video, voice note or document that appears genuine may require additional checks before it can be reported as fact.
Credible journalism as a defence
Idris described credible journalism as one of Nigeria’s strongest defences against misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
He said journalists must continue to rely on verification, accuracy and professional judgement even as technology changes the way news is gathered and distributed.
The minister also commended Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for reviving the state’s newspaper corporation and transforming it into the Cross River Information Hub.
“The decision of the Cross River State Government to rebuild and reposition this institution, rather than allow it to disappear into history, deserves commendation,” he said.
The Cross River State Newspaper Corporation was established in 1971 and published newspapers including the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle, documenting events and government activities in the state for decades.
Idris said the new information hub should combine that history with digital technology, credible journalism, innovation and professional development.
Trust remains the bigger issue
The minister said the fight against misinformation is also connected to the way government communicates with citizens.
He urged government institutions to explain policies clearly, communicate honestly and acknowledge challenges, saying poor communication can leave room for speculation and false information to fill the gap.
“Public trust cannot be commanded; it must be earned,” Idris said.
He also described the new Government Printing Press as important for preserving official records and maintaining institutional memory.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Idris urged political actors, journalists and citizens to put Nigeria’s unity and stability above partisan, ethnic and sectional interests.
The warning comes at a time when Nigeria’s information space is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. From recycled videos and fabricated documents to AI-generated political content, the methods may be changing, but the challenge remains the same: how to ensure that Nigerians can still tell what is true.
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