Nigeria's National Security Adviser Calls Social Media a Top Priority Amid Fake News Threats

Nigeria's National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has declared social media a national security priority, citing the threats posed by fake news and disinformation. In a meeting with spokespersons from various security agencies in Abuja on April 30, 2024, Ribadu stressed the urgent need for a proactive and strategic approach to communication to counter enemies and build public trust.

Ribadu emphasized that those seeking to shape public opinion against citizens are adeptly using social media platforms, presenting both global and local threats that demand immediate attention as a national security priority. He called on the spokespersons to change their approach in engaging with the public, urging them to be proactive and strategic in managing national security communication.

Why this matters: The proliferation of fake news and disinformation on social media poses significant challenges to national security, public trust, and social cohesion. Addressing these threats requires a coordinated and proactive approach from security agencies and government communicators to counter misinformation and build public confidence.

The National Security Adviser directed the spokespersons to adopt a plan of action to engage Nigerians, build trust, and counter violent extremism. He also charged them to work in synergy to deny media space to criminal elements such as Boko Haram and IPOB. "We must be proactive and comprehensive in our national security strategic communication management," Ribadu stated, highlighting the role of spokespersons in effective governance communication to counter fake news and reach audiences at home and abroad.

Ribadu pledged to ensure that government messaging aligns with the directives of President Bola Tinubu and is well-coordinated with national security strategic objectives and values. He emphasized the importance of integrating strategic communication into all operational aspects to project the country's national power and values effectively.

The meeting underscored the critical role of strategic communication in addressing the challenges posed by social media manipulation and disinformation. Ribadu called on the spokespersons to collaborate effectively, be proactive in their approach, and adopt a comprehensive plan to engage citizens, build trust, and counter violent extremism. The National Security Adviser's directive highlights the urgency of tackling the threats posed by fake news and the need for a coordinated national security communication strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria's NSA declares social media a national security priority due to fake news threats.
• NSA calls for proactive communication to counter enemies and build public trust.
• Fake news and disinformation on social media pose challenges to national security and cohesion.
• NSA directs spokespersons to engage Nigerians, build trust, and counter violent extremism.
• Strategic communication is critical to address social media manipulation and disinformation.