By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA) has declared the digital space a new frontline in Nigeria’s fight against fake news and hate speech ahead of the 2027 elections.
The institute made the declaration on Thursday while unveiling the National Digital Peace Ambassadors (NDPA), a movement aimed at promoting responsible use of social media and protecting national cohesion.
At a news conference themed, “Digital Peace and National Security: Building Responsible Voices for a United Nigeria,” NISMA urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the information they create, share and amplify online.
Erikan Obong, National Secretary of NDPA, said the battle for Nigeria’s unity was no longer fought only in communities, markets, places of worship and political rallies.
She said a significant part of the battle was now being fought on social media platforms, where Nigerians increasingly communicate, form opinions, influence others and engage in political debates.
“The battle for Nigeria’s unity is no longer fought only in our communities, markets, places of worship, political rallies or on the streets.
“A significant part of that battle is now being fought on our screens. It is fought through the phone in our hands. Through a post. Through a comment,” she said.
Obong said research by UNESCO and NISMA had established that the spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech through digital platforms posed serious risks to social cohesion, peace and stability.
She also expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to generate and manipulate content, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to her, NDPA is open to all Nigerians willing to join the campaign against fake news, hate speech and other forms of irresponsible digital communication.
She said the initiative would encourage Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and place national interest above the perceived benefits of spreading false information.
“This is why we have made it free to join us, without criteria, so that everybody will know that, as Nigerians, we are all responsible for keeping this country peaceful, especially as we are having our elections next year,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Christian Eze, National Coordinator of NISMA, said the institute was proposing mandatory certification for Nigerians before they could open social media accounts.
“What we are proposing in the long run is that every Nigerian who wants to open a social media account must go through certification by the Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts,” Eze said.
He said the proposal was aimed at promoting greater responsibility and sanity in Nigeria’s digital media space.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the potential impact of misinformation, hate speech and manipulated digital content on social cohesion and electoral processes.
NISMA said the NDPA would therefore serve as a platform for Nigerians to promote responsible digital citizenship and contribute to peace and national security. (NAN)
