“Rise in Misinformation Poses Critical Danger to Nationwide Safety” – Presidential Aide, Otega Ogra
The Federal Authorities has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital house, stressing that efforts to control on-line platforms are aimed toward defending residents fairly than silencing dissent.
Talking on a reside programme on Channels Tv, Senior Particular Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, stated the rise of misinformation, disinformation and coordinated on-line assaults poses severe dangers to nationwide safety, public belief and social cohesion.
Ogra defined that the digital ecosystem has developed quickly, with social media now shaping public opinion, political engagement and even safety outcomes. In keeping with him, whereas the web has expanded civic participation, it has additionally been weaponised by pretend information, manipulated content material and deliberate falsehoods able to inciting unrest.
He famous that authorities interventions within the digital house are guided by the necessity to steadiness freedom of expression with accountability, including that no democracy can thrive in an atmosphere the place false info spreads unchecked.
“Each proper comes with accountability,” Ogra stated, emphasising that on-line platforms should not develop into instruments for undermining establishments or destabilising society.
He additionally highlighted the position of digital literacy, urging Nigerians to confirm info earlier than sharing it and to depend on credible sources. Ogra stated the federal government is partaking know-how corporations, civil society {groups} and the media to develop frameworks that encourage transparency, accountability and consumer security on-line.
The presidential aide dismissed claims that latest insurance policies are designed to gag critics, insisting that constructive criticism stays very important to democracy. He maintained that the main target is on curbing dangerous content material, not official debate.
The dialogue comes amid rising nationwide concern over the impression of viral misinformation on elections, safety operations and public well being, with consultants calling for stronger collaboration between authorities, media organisations and tech platforms to guard Nigeria’s digital future.