The Federal Government has restated its commitment to sanitizing Nigeria’s social media landscape, with a strong emphasis on curbing misinformation, hate speech, and divisive rhetoric online.
This position was made known by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to his office in Abuja on Friday.
The Minister noted that while the government values freedom of speech and the press, it also bears the responsibility of protecting citizens from the negative consequences of unchecked digital communication.
“We are not in the business of gagging the media or stifling free speech. However, the abuse of social media platforms must be addressed through responsible regulation and civic engagement,” the Minister said.
He added that the ministry would work with relevant stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and technology companies, to develop frameworks that promote accountability without compromising democratic values.
In his response, the NUJ President, expressed the union’s support for efforts to ensure responsible media practice, both in traditional and digital spaces. He urged the government to ensure that any proposed regulations do not become tools for suppressing dissent or targeting journalists.
The NUJ leadership also used the opportunity to highlight concerns around journalists’ safety, media independence, and the welfare of media workers, calling for stronger collaboration between the union and the federal government.
The visit underscores the growing need for stakeholder engagement in shaping a balanced and responsible media environment in Nigeria, especially amid the surge of online misinformation.
