Nigeria Launches Institute to Combat Misinformation

The Nigerian government has called for stronger media literacy initiatives to combat the growing threats of misinformation and disinformation. This call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the unveiling of the International Media Information Literacy Institute at the University of Nigeria, Abuja.

The institute aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to combat misinformation and promote responsible communication, with plans to gain international recognition by November 2025 when UNESCO approves it as a Category 2 institute. Idris emphasized the necessity for citizens to critically assess and verify information in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Dili Ezughah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, and other officials stressed that media literacy is essential for societal health and democracy. The institute will serve as a global observatory to track trends in the information ecosystem and support evidence-based policy interventions.