Information Minister urges NUJ to join fight against fake news
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to support the Federal Government’s efforts to combat fake news and misinformation.
Idris made the appeal on Friday in Abuja when he received the NUJ President, Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, who paid him a courtesy visit.
The minister expressed concern over the growing use of AI to create deepfake videos that falsely depict public officials in compromising situations, warning that such content has damaged reputations and traumatised families.
“AI can be used both positively and negatively, you can be seated here, and someone could superimpose another person’s face onto your body, completely misrepresenting you. These deepfakes have been used to destroy lives, ”Idris said.
He revealed that the federal government is working closely with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to sanitise the digital space while preserving freedom of expression.
“As a government, we are committed to cleaning up the social media space without infringing on citizens’ rights. Fortunately, the international community is also taking this threat seriously, with UNESCO at the forefront,” he said.
Idris urged the NUJ to play an active role in safeguarding the integrity of journalism by combating disinformation and identifying quacks in the profession.
He also encouraged the union to promote ethical reporting among citizen journalists and the general public.
The minister announced the establishment of a UNESCO-approved Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in Nigeria; the first of its kind globally.
The institute, he said, would train journalists, students, and citizens to critically assess digital content, counter misinformation, and promote responsible media engagement.
He congratulated the NUJ on its 70th anniversary and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom, calling it essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
In his remarks, Yahaya commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a media professional as Information Minister and pledged the union’s support for promoting the administration’s achievements.
He also briefed the minister on activities planned to mark the NUJ’s 70th anniversary, at which Idris is expected to serve as Chief Host. (NAN)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Tosin Kolade
