The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Saturday warned that fake news and digital disinformation pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s moral foundation and long-term stability, urging citizens — particularly young people — to embrace verification and responsibility in the digital space. Idris spoke in Kaduna at the 20th Joint Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The lecture, held at Lumana Hall, Zamani College, Kaduna, was themed: Digital Technology and the Moral Future: Navigating the Fitna of Our Time with Faith and Purpose. Describing the digital age as a defining moment for Nigeria’s unity and moral direction, the minister said that while technology has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for learning, enterprise and innovation, it has also introduced complex challenges.
“Digital technology has empowered millions and expanded access to information,” he said. “But it has also unleashed forces that threaten our moral fabric, with misinformation spreading faster than truth.” Idris stressed that unchecked fake news and manipulated content can inflame tensions, distort public perception and undermine trust in institutions. He noted that in a diverse society like Nigeria, the consequences of digital disinformation could be particularly damaging.
He called on citizens to cultivate a culture of fact-checking and critical thinking before sharing content online, adding that the responsibility for safeguarding the nation’s information space must be collective. The minister also urged media organisations, religious leaders, educators and parents to play active roles in promoting digital literacy and ethical communication, especially among the youth. According to him, faith-based principles such as honesty, accountability and compassion should guide online engagement, helping to counter the divisive tendencies of the digital era.
Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting responsible media practice and strengthening public awareness about the dangers of misinformation, saying that Nigeria’s moral and social stability depends on how effectively citizens navigate the challenges of the digital age.
