Information Minister Warns Nigerians Against Spread of Misinformation

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has cautioned citizens, particularly youths, against the spread of false information, describing it as a serious moral and national challenge capable of threatening national unity.

Idris issued the warning on Saturday in Kaduna during the 20th Joint Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and the Voice of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister expressed concern over the misuse of digital platforms, warning that unchecked information sharing could deepen divisions across the country.

While acknowledging the opportunities presented by digital technology, Idris noted that it also imposes moral responsibilities that require discipline and accountability from users.

He urged Nigerians to always verify information before sharing, stressing that such caution has become both a civic and moral duty in the digital age.

“Verify before you amplify. Pause. Interrogate the source,” he advised

The minister also used the occasion to highlight youth-focused initiatives introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at leveraging technology for economic empowerment.

He cited programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the establishment of Africa’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute as key government interventions.

“Media literacy is the vaccine against misinformation,” Idris said, adding that these programmes are designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the digital economy.

Describing Nigeria’s youthful population as a major national asset, he cautioned that the country’s future depends largely on how well the youth are guided and supported.

“A nation that fails its youth has no future. We are systematically investing in an ecosystem where digital technology becomes a ladder of opportunity,” he stated.

The minister encouraged young people to deploy digital platforms for constructive purposes, including education, innovation, and national development, rather than for spreading harmful or divisive content.

He also referenced Nigeria’s designation by UNESCO as the host of Africa’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing it as a strategic milestone that will strengthen citizens’ critical thinking skills and resilience against information disorder.

Idris called for collective effort in safeguarding the nation’s information space, urging parents, educators, religious leaders, media professionals, and young people to work together in building a digitally empowered but morally grounded society.

He stressed that responsible citizenship and spiritual consciousness must guide online engagement, adding that faith and patriotism should go hand in hand in national development efforts.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was represented; Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha; the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli; the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace; the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Dembos; the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bulama; and Professor Umar Pate, among others.