Local-Language Fact-Check Initiatives Combat Disinformation

A program organized by the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Casa Africa, and CJID in Abuja brought together journalists from across the country to address the growing threat of electoral disinformation. Experts stressed that misinformation often spreads rapidly in local languages, especially through social media channels.

They highlighted the necessity of investing in local-language fact-checking initiatives to reach a wider audience and promote informed electoral participation. Bala noted that there are 250 local languages in Nigeria, and many people understand these languages better than English.

He pointed out that local-language content is particularly vulnerable to disinformation, as foreign-language media organizations often do not invest in fact-checking in local languages. Eva Barta Martin from the Spanish Embassy underscored the importance of equipping journalists with the skills needed to identify and counter disinformation, especially during election periods, to build public trust in democratic institutions.