Nigeria’s emergence as host of a landmark global media institute has been hailed as a turning point in the country’s information governance trajectory, with the Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN) urging authorities to seize the moment by implementing sweeping reforms to combat misinformation.
In a strongly worded press statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s National President, Comrade James Ezema, described the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) under the auspices of UNESCO as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s evolving information governance landscape.”
ABJFN said the development represents “a strong global endorsement of the country’s potential to lead in advancing media literacy, digital responsibility, and information integrity,” noting that Nigeria now stands at the forefront of global efforts to address the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation.
However, the association cautioned against treating the development as merely symbolic. “This milestone must extend beyond symbolism and translate into measurable, citizen-centered outcomes that strengthen democratic processes, media credibility, and public trust,” the statement read.
Highlighting the significance of Nigeria hosting what it described as the world’s first institute of its kind, ABJFN said the move offers “a strategic opportunity to reposition the country as a hub for knowledge-driven solutions to the growing global challenge of misinformation and disinformation.”
To that end, the group called for the “urgent development of a comprehensive National Information Integrity Framework anchored on Media and Information Literacy principles,” stressing that such a policy would provide “a coordinated national response to the proliferation of misinformation” while equipping citizens with “critical thinking skills required to navigate an increasingly complex digital information environment.”
ABJFN underscored the evolving nature of information dissemination in the digital age, noting that “every citizen functions as both a consumer and distributor of information.” It warned that “safeguarding the integrity of the information space must be treated as a shared national responsibility.”
The statement further emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, urging “government institutions, media organizations, civil society actors, and the general public” to work together in building “a resilient and trustworthy information ecosystem.”
As part of its recommendations, the association advocated the integration of Media and Information Literacy into Nigeria’s education system “across all levels,” alongside “sustained nationwide public awareness campaigns on responsible digital engagement.” It also called for “collaborative mechanisms between IMILI and civil society organizations to ensure effective grassroots impact.”
In addition, ABJFN proposed the introduction of “ethical standards and certification systems for bloggers and digital publishers,” as well as “improved transparency and accountability in public communication by state institutions.”
The group warned that the stakes have grown significantly, declaring that “fake news is no longer a peripheral media concern but a critical threat to national security, electoral integrity, and social cohesion.”
Reaffirming its commitment, ABJFN stated it is “ready to partner with relevant stakeholders, including IMILI, to advance public education, capacity building, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem.”
In a pointed conclusion, the association insisted that Nigeria must align its domestic realities with its new global role. “Nigeria cannot host a global institute dedicated to information integrity while tolerating systemic misinformation within its domestic environment,” the statement said, adding that “this moment demands collective responsibility, institutional commitment, and sustained action.”
