The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to journalists and media outlets over the spread of misinformation and fake news, stating that such practices risk igniting national unrest in an already fragile multi-ethnic society.
The caution came during the 2025 Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture held in Lagos, where Minister of Information Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, delivered a keynote urging the enforcement of ethical journalism. The event was convened by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) under the theme, “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”
“If journalists continue to spread fake news, one day it may set the country on fire,” Idris warned, citing the growing influence of misinformation on social platforms and urging reporters to verify all claims rigorously before publication.
Idris expressed particular concern about untrained individuals posing as journalists simply due to access to smartphones and internet platforms. “We often see people sharing fake news and unverified claims, and unfortunately, many journalists amplify them without fact-checking,” he said.
Despite these concerns, the minister reiterated that the current administration remained committed to press freedom, emphasising that responsible journalism is critical to democratic stability and public trust.
“We cannot build a nation without journalists and a free press,” he said, noting that the government was committed to collaborating with media professionals to uphold journalistic standards, promote media literacy, and “tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action.”
NGE President Eze Anaba echoed similar sentiments, stating that journalists have a duty to foster national unity through responsible storytelling. “We must tell stories that strengthen the social fabric and promote cohesion in a diverse society,” he said.
Also addressing the audience, former NGE president Funke Egbemode urged media organisations to prioritise continuous training for their staff, noting that the integrity of the press relies on ongoing professional development.
The event celebrated the legacy of Lateef Jakande, a revered journalist and statesman, and highlighted the role of the media in safeguarding national values and democratic accountability in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
