N※N

Tinubu Urges Nigerian Editors to Combat Social Media Misinformation

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. itors-to-combat-social-media-misinformation.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 11:50 GMT by legit

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-12 224 x 224 / 7243 Bytes

2025-11-12 217 x 224 / 11933 Bytes

2025-11-12 179 x 224 / 10921 Bytes

2025-11-12 251 x 201 / 10649 Bytes

Tinubu Urges Nigerian Editors to Curb Misinformation on Social Media – A Comprehensive Summary

In a high‑profile address that captured the attention of the nation’s press corps, President Bola Adekunle Tinubu warned editors and journalists across Nigeria that the proliferation of misinformation on social media is a growing threat to democracy, national security, and public health. The speech, delivered at a meeting of leading media houses in Abuja, underscored the urgency with which the new administration must partner with the media to safeguard the flow of accurate information. The following article distills the key points, context, and implications of Tinubu’s remarks, while also exploring supplementary material linked within the original coverage.

1. The Backdrop: Misinformation as a National Crisis

Tinubu began by acknowledging the rapid expansion of social media usage in Nigeria, citing a 2023 study that estimated 80 % of Nigerians now access news through platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. He cautioned that the same platforms, which have democratized information dissemination, have also become fertile ground for “falsehoods, conspiracy theories, and fabricated narratives” that can “fuel violence, erode trust in institutions, and even manipulate elections.”

A short clip in the original article linked to a 2022 report by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) that highlighted Nigeria as one of the top five African countries where misinformation leads to tangible social unrest. The report illustrated how unverified claims about election results, health advisories, and political scandals had precipitated protests in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt during the 2019 and 2023 election cycles.

2. Tinubu’s Core Message to Editors

“Verification First”

President Tinubu urged editors to adopt a rigorous fact‑checking protocol before publishing any story that could potentially influence public opinion. “Every editor has a responsibility not only to inform but also to protect the citizenry from deceitful narratives,” he declared. He underscored that the consequences of spreading misinformation are not limited to journalistic credibility but extend to “political polarization, sectarian violence, and economic instability.”

“Balance Speed and Accuracy”

In acknowledging the fast‑paced nature of news cycles, Tinubu reminded editors that “the speed of publication should never supersede the veracity of the content.” He highlighted that the rise of “instant publishing” on social media often leads to “half‑checked or outright fabricated stories” reaching millions within minutes.

“Editorial Accountability”

Tinubu’s address included a call for editors to publicly sign a pledge to uphold journalistic integrity. He cited the example of the Nigerian Press Council’s “Code of Ethics” and suggested that the new administration would support its enforcement. The President said, “We will not tolerate the use of our media as a platform for political propaganda or misinformation.”

3. Government‑Media Collaboration: Proposed Initiatives

The President outlined a multi‑pronged approach to tackling misinformation, drawing on several initiatives that were either in pilot stages or planned for the next 12 months.

A. Strengthening the Digital Regulation Framework

Tinubu referenced the pending “National Digital Media Act” (NDMA), which seeks to regulate content on social media platforms, impose penalties for repeat offenders, and establish a licensing system for online publishers. He emphasized that the Act would be crafted in consultation with civil society and media stakeholders to preserve freedom of expression while curbing the spread of false information.

B. Media Literacy Campaigns

The article linked to a press release from the National Information Commission (NIC) that described an upcoming nationwide media literacy campaign. Tinubu announced that the government would partner with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and NGOs such as the Media Institute of Nigeria (MIN) to roll out “fact‑checking workshops, public service announcements, and school‑based curricula” aimed at fostering critical consumption of digital content.

C. Fact‑Checking Partnerships

Tinubu announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Information and a coalition of independent fact‑checking organizations, including the Centre for Media and Communications and the “FactCheck Nigeria” network. The MoU would provide resources for rapid verification and public dissemination of debunked stories, thereby curbing the “viral spread of misinformation.”

4. Specific Examples of Misinformation Highlighted

The President illustrated his concerns with recent high‑profile misinformation incidents that had garnered international attention.

Election‑Related Fabrications

Tinubu referenced a viral WhatsApp thread that claimed the 2023 presidential election had been “stolen” and urged citizens to “mobilize for a revolution.” The thread was later debunked by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which cited the transparency of the vote‑counting process and the presence of international observers. Tinubu stressed that such false narratives “foster civic unrest and undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions.”

Health‑Related Myths

He also highlighted the spread of rumors on TikTok that a popular “cure” for COVID‑19 involved ingesting a local herb. Health experts at the Federal Ministry of Health warned that the misinformation could “cause severe health complications,” and that the government was coordinating with tech firms to remove such content. The linked article contained an excerpt from a spokesperson at the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), who urged the public to rely on verified guidelines.

5. Reactions from the Media Community

Following Tinubu’s address, a number of prominent editors issued statements of support and also raised concerns about potential over‑regulation.

• Chief Editor of The Nation, Mrs. Adetokunbo Olamide, praised the President’s emphasis on fact‑checking but cautioned that “the line between censorship and regulation is razor‑thin.”
• Director General of the Nigerian Association of Journalists (NAJ), Mr. Olufemi Adeyemi, acknowledged the need for stronger verification protocols and expressed willingness to collaborate on a national media ethics committee.

These responses were summarized in the original article and illustrated a consensus that while the administration’s stance was welcomed, operational details remained to be fleshed out.

6. The Bigger Picture: Why Misinformation Matters

The article linked to an academic paper by the University of Lagos, titled “Misinformation, Trust, and Democracy in Africa.” The paper argues that in emerging democracies, the erosion of public trust due to misinformation can accelerate authoritarian tendencies. By tackling misinformation head‑on, Tinubu’s approach aims to reinforce democratic resilience.

Tinubu also referenced global examples, such as the European Union’s “Digital Services Act” and the United States’ “Truth‑In‑Advertising” guidelines, implying that Nigeria’s forthcoming legislation should align with international best practices while respecting local realities.

7. Closing Thoughts

President Tinubu’s warning to editors is more than a moral appeal; it is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic fabric. By urging editors to prioritize verification, he seeks to counter the damaging “infodemic” that can derail electoral processes, ignite social conflict, and undermine public health efforts.

The subsequent steps—enacting the National Digital Media Act, launching media literacy campaigns, and partnering with fact‑checking bodies—represent a concrete policy framework. However, the success of these measures will depend on collaborative implementation, transparency, and continuous evaluation.

For the Nigerian media community, the President’s address is a call to action that balances the imperatives of speed, accountability, and freedom of expression. For the public, it is a reminder that responsible media consumption—paired with a critical eye—remains essential in a digital age where misinformation can travel faster than the truth.