Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized the significance of digital innovation as a crucial tool for managing crisis communication effectively. During a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by its Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), Idris highlighted the importance of timely, accurate, and coordinated communication, particularly during crises or events of national importance.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idris stated that in the current digital age, crises are not only characterized by the events themselves but also by the rapid spread of information. He underscored the necessity of using digital innovation to positively influence crisis communication. Idris lauded the Centre for Crisis Communication for its focus on leveraging digital tools to enhance communication strategies.
Idris noted that digital innovation is integral to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s mandate, which includes promoting responsible information dissemination and countering misinformation. He stressed the importance of sharing information in a responsible, honest, and patriotic manner, ensuring that it serves the interests of all Nigerians.
The minister also addressed the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital media, and social media, urging the responsible, honest, and patriotic use of these tools. He emphasized the need for effective communication that respects the rights of information consumers.
Idris expressed the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with NGOs and civil society organizations like the Centre for Crisis Communication to enhance Nigeria’s national communication framework.
Earlier, Olukolade sought the minister’s endorsement for the National Crisis Communication Hub and the National Perspective Management Index, initiatives aimed at improving crisis communication. He highlighted the centre’s role since its establishment in 2015 in supporting interagency collaboration among security and emergency management agencies.
Olukolade cited the centre’s contributions through research, training, media monitoring, and advisory services, which have bolstered institutional preparedness, countered misinformation, and maintained public trust during crises. He also mentioned the recent National Symposium on Digital Crisis Communication, which offered recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s digital crisis communication architecture.