By John Moses
Nigeria’s Federal Government has warned media practitioners against the dangers of disseminating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, stressing that such actions could destabilise the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture in Lagos, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, cautioned that unchecked dissemination of false information could “set the country on fire.” Idris, who was represented by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, urged the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to enforce professional standards in journalism.
“Fake news spreads fast, and its consequences can be devastating,” Idris said. “If journalists continue to spread fake news, one day it may set the country on fire.”
The lecture, organised by the NGE, was themed “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.” The minister highlighted the importance of journalists verifying information before publication and criticised the growing trend of individuals without journalistic training sharing unverified content on social media.
“There are certain people who act as gatekeepers simply because they own a smartphone and have internet access,” he remarked. “As professionals, we must avoid amplifying unverified social media content and always ask: is this correct?”
Despite the warning, Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom and constructive government-media collaboration. He noted that a free and responsible press remains essential to democratic governance.
“The government and the people must be able to speak to one another, and journalists are the critical link between the two,” he said.
NGE President, Mr Eze Anaba, in his opening remarks, described the theme of the event as timely, especially given the country’s ongoing challenges relating to justice, unity, and national identity.
“As journalists, we hold the power to shape national narratives and promote shared values,” Anaba said. “We must ensure that our work supports a more cohesive and progressive society.”
Former NGE President, Mrs Funke Egbemode, also addressed the gathering, calling for continued investment in the training and retraining of journalists to uphold professional standards.
